OWEN, William S. "Poppy," 85, of Brilliant, Ohio, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2012, at the Country Club Manor Nursing Home in Steubenville, Ohio.
He was born April 22, 1927, in Steubenville, Ohio, a son of the late William F. and Mary (Stidd) Owen. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, John Owen and two infant grandchildren, Melissa and Owen James Mitchell.
Bill served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was in the 25th Division of the 8th Field Artillery. When the war was over he was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, where he was a field artillery instructor until the time of his honorable discharge.
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After his time in the service he worked at Ohio Nut and Washer and also Weirton National Steel. Bill's family is very proud of his artistic talent. He was a self- taught sign painter and in his later years he enjoyed tinkering in his shop making yard crafts and Panther football yard signs. Bill was a member of the Brilliant Christian Church; the Brilliant Volunteer Fire Department and the Brilliant American Legion Post 573.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, June (Brettell) Owen, whom he married December 26, 1951; a son, Richard (LuAnn) Owen of Steubenville; two daughters, Vicki (Dale) Koepp of Amherst, Ohio and Debbie Petrozzi of Brilliant; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Ricky Haines) Petrozzi, Courtney (Shawn) Gunter and Jeramey Jarvis; and a great-granddaughter, Zoe Jane.
Bill enjoyed his life at home with his wife, June. His life reflected through all his talent in his love for art. Bill is at peace in the loving arms of the Lord.
Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m., with Dr. Marc R. Tinstman, Minister, officiating. There will be a Legion service at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Full Military honors by the Brilliant American Legion, will follow the services at the funeral home. Private burial at Oakland Cemetery in Mingo.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to the American Cancer Society. Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.
