Willie Joe Owen passed away January 14, 2024 at his home with his daughter by his side at the age of 92 years, 6 months and 15 days following an extended illness.

He was born June 30, 1931 in Steele, MO to William Russell Owen and Elita M. Duke Owen. In 1937, they relocated to rural Portageville where he developed his love for family and farming. Prior to graduation from Marston High School, he joined the National Guard, serving 20 years and excelling at marksmanship with selection to the Governor's Twelve for participation in the U. S. Army Forces Command matches. He also became a member of the Point Pleasant Masonic Lodge. In addition to the family farm, he worked several years at Standard Oil Company in Portageville for Vernie Totty, one of the finest gentlemen he ever knew besides his own father.

Eventually he became a full-time farmer, partnering with his brother-in-law Jimmie Flynn. He enjoyed a long-term professional relationship and friendship with Barry Richardson and son Barry Lee. When he took time to relax, he found pleasure watching the Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR races, taking many trips to cheer on Dale Earnhardt.

He was united in marriage to Wilma Flynn September 15, 1955. They celebrated 59 years of marriage before her death March 3, 2015. Afterward he remarked he would not be the farmer he was without her, blessed to find a loving and supportive wife who thoroughly enjoyed chopping cotton. He was also predeceased by his parents, two brothers (Calvin and Delbert), three sisters (Vivian, Norene and Willita), other family members and friends, acknowledging particularly close friends Franklin Hillis, Jimmie Flynn, Wayne Prince and John Swilley.

As his health declined, he missed visiting at Johnson's 66, crossing paths as he played the lottery and checking in with Mike Flynn, Herb Joiner and Ronnie Gooch at the farm shop. However, this time deepened his bond with his nephew Neil Petty and Neil's wife Debbie, who were so loving and supportive.

Willie Joe is survived by daughter Dr. Amy Jo Owen and sister Leola (Tom) Cotten of Greeneville, TN. A lifelong believer in God and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, he was blessed to remain involved in farming until the end. He cherished friendships and shared mutual respect with many. Those reciprocal feelings were always evident when he was out and about. The family finds comfort knowing he will be missed. A private graveside service was held Monday, January 22 at Pemiscot County Memorial Gardens.

If you would like to honor his memory, please consider donating to your church of choice or a children's charity such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriners Hospital or the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. Besides breaking ground and growing things, he also loved animals.