Remembering Bill Owens: A Tribute to a Dedicated Veteran and Community Leader

It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the loss of our Board Member and friend, William Owens. He passed away peacefully in May, with his beloved wife Peggy by his side. They were married for over 60 years. When they moved to the estates over 45 years ago, there was only one other house on Pappas Road. This is where they raised their three children, filling their home with memories and watching our community develop. Peggy worked in the James Dukes Elementary School cafeteria for over 20 years and became known as “the lunch lady.” Back then, there was no stop light at 10th and Main and none in the Estates.

Bill was born in Springfield, Illinois. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and became a radio operator. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, which earned him the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He was very proud of his service to our country. One of his favorite stories to share was when he borrowed the life jacket of an admiral to fly in a helicopter, and when he exited the aircraft, everyone saluted him when he walked past! As a veteran, Bill understood the sacrifices that all veterans have made. He is the reason the “Golf for Veterans” program was brought to the San Vicente Golf Course, which honors veterans by giving them free golf lessons.

Bill was a quiet giant; he used wisdom and logic and honored his word. He had a fun sense of humor that he’d throw in unexpectedly, and he was an excellent storyteller because he knew a lot about a lot of things. He and Peggy frequently ordered “a number four” at Los Amigos, and when the staff learned of his passing, they were filled with tears. His daughter Linda said they began arguing over who would get to attend his service.

We were blessed to have Bill as a Board Member for the past two years. He was committed to doing the best job possible and making decisions that benefited our community. Some of his colleagues, friends and family shared the following sentiments:

“Bill was such a kind soul. He always had a smile on his face and would make funny dad jokes. He will be terribly missed.” -Juli Elliott

“Bill was a valued colleague on the Board of Directors. His decision-making was always driven by what was best for the community. As a long-time resident, he brought a unique perspective. Most importantly, he was a genuine and good person.” -Kathleen Kankelberg

“He was a consummate professional who approached his work on the Board with a blend of skill, dedication and integrity, always striving for excellence and inspiring those around him.” -Darren Shaw

Bill’s great-granddaughter, Oksana Smalley, was asked what she will miss about him. She responded, “My Grandpa Grape was very nice.” When asked her age, she replied, “Let’s just say seven because I’m almost seven.”

Granddaughter Heather Smalley lovingly remembers how her grandparents were a “spiritual and moral compass for all of us. They taught me The Lord’s Prayer at age two. I learned that before the alphabet.”

Eddie Hutchins, Peggy’s brother, describes Bill as “reserved, but when he spoke, you stopped and listened. What he’d say, he meant in a huge way.”



Bill’s neighbor and friend, Bruce Klingman, said, “Bill died in peace knowing that his kids knew God, which means he will see them again one day. There is nothing a father could want more than that.” He and his wife Nellie were part of Bill and Peggy’s “breakfast club” that met almost every Sunday morning at the Oaks Grille for the past ten years.

Bill will be deeply missed by so many. Rest in peace, amazing Bill.