William D. Owens
William Dwight Owens “Billy”, age 71, of Fairbury, NE, passed peacefully to Heaven, surrounded by his children, at 12:27 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from esophageal cancer complications, at Bryan East hospital in Lincoln, NE. He was born November 5, 1952 in Beaver, OK to William B and VernaBelle (Barnett) Owens. Billy was a 1971 graduate from Tri County High School in rural DeWitt, Nebraska. He was a tough opponent in football and basketball. In 1975, he graduated from Southeast Community College, with an Applied Science degree in Welding and Metallurgy. He was a skilled welder and fabricator working in various locations. He loved to reuse and repurpose materials and was quite creative. In 1972, he married Victoria Zulauf, later divorced, and 3 children were born to this union. Billy truly lived life to the fullest and lived it on his own terms. He enjoyed rockhounding, playing marbles, going on long nature walks, fishing, and bird watching, all with his faithful dog, Dizzy, by his side. Billy had a great smile, a witty personality and a strong gentle presence that will be missed by all.
He is survived by two of his children, Shawn William Owens (fiance Ashley Jewell) of Lincoln, NE and Shelley Lynn (Bryce) Owens-Buggi of Palmyra, NE, his sister Diana Kay Owens of Beatrice, NE, six grandchildren Cade, Brayden and Ethan Owens, Apollo, Logann and Odyn Buggi.
He was preceded in death by daughter Shelby Lynn Owens in 1972, parents William B Owens in 2013 and VernaBelle (Barnett) Owens in 2014, brother Darrel Owens in 2020.
He has been cremated as per his request -“dust to dust”. His ashes will be spread and there will be no service.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Aspen Cremation Service represents the ideal combination of price and quality. We have low overhead and can pass on the savings. Let us earn your trust.
Accreditations
Condolences for William D. Owens
Billy was a sweet kid when we were growing up. The Owens family was always around as we all lived in Sunray, Texas or in that area as kids. In later years Uncle Bill and Aunt Verna lived across the street so us kids were together a lot. He will be missed by all those who
loved him. Love to his family.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I met Bill when my parents moved to Nebraska in my senior year of high school. We hit it off immediately and became close friends. He always had my back and we had a lot of fun hanging out together. He showed me the ropes on how to survive living in a small town. We went our separate ways after high school and life took us in different directions. I have been thinking about Bill for the past several weeks and was surprised and saddened to hear he had passed away. He will be missed by his friends and family. My sincerest condolences for your loss. Rest in peace Bill Owens.
Billy moved to Plymouth during our high school years. He was the best football player I ever knew. I remember throwing a football around with him on the main street of town. I can still see him on the football field and basketball court. Athletics were kind of our life back then and gave us a great outlet and fellowship. Those memories do not go away. Thanks Billy. You will not be forgotten.
Went to high school with Billy. Always loved his gentle manner and dynamite humor. So sorry to learn of his passing.