WILLIAM (BILL) CARL OWEN
JAN. 25, 1942 – APR 7, 2015
On April 7, 2015 at his rural Oakdale home, Bill Owen lost his battle with
a debilitating lung disease.
Bill was born in Modesto in the old Robertson hospital. He lived in Ceres, CA for several years before moving with his parents, W.C. (Chet) and Roina Owen to Oakdale where his Dad owned and operated a local feed store.
Bill graduated from Oakdale High School in 1959 and attended Modesto Junior College, majoring in Agriculture.
He joined his father in a farming, harvesting, and trucking operation that provided custom ag and silage chopping services in the Central Valley.
In the late 80’s, Bill started a second career as an independent Sales/Rep for Lawson Products, Inc., an international supplier of maintenance hardware.  It was ironic, that in this job Bill traveled the same highways and byways that he had for so many years with his harvesting/farming business.  He could tell you where every field of corn, oats, alfalfa, etc. had grown in several counties  - fields that now were covered by homes or shopping centers.  He knew every back road and shortcut between his customers businesses.
In 2014, Bill completed 25 years with Lawson Products, Inc.  – his health finally dictating an end to his business.  Over the years he also farmed a small walnut orchard and raised alfalfa on his rural Oakdale property, known as ‘the ranch’.
An honest, hard working man, Bill’s genuine, affable and humorous manner endeared him to people and his customers became his respected friends. He was faithful in his service to them and pushed himself further than what his health really allowed.
Raised and confirmed in the St John’s Lutheran Church in Oakdale, Bill had a strong faith in God and knew where he was heading.
Bill was a member of the Oakdale Lions Club, first joining in 1961.  He met many friends there and enjoyed sharing in the community projects that the “We Serve” group is known for.
He enjoyed camping and trailering with family and friends over the years; he and Melinda shared an interest in pro sports and he was an avid sports page reader, keeping her posted on all the news. S.F. 49’ers and S.F. Giants were his teams, though he often said that baseball was just a filler until football started.  This year he may have changed his mind.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, friend for 59, Melinda (Maloy) who he met in high school; his  treasured son Craig Owen (Stephanie Cortes), Grandson Cooper and Grandaughter Sydney Owen of Oakdale.
Also, son and daughter of his heart, John and Shelli Borba, grandchildren Johnathan, Gregory and Shaela Borba of Oakdale. Brother in law, Jeff Maloy (Patti) of Oakdale, nephew Mike Maloy (Christi) of Modesto, niece Michelle Maloy of San Francisco; brother in law, Jan Hof (Linda Girdner) of Gambrills, MD, nephew Devon Hof of Boulder, CO. He also leaves behind his precious Aunt Betty Owen Whitehouse of Manteca, many cousins, friends and two dogs – Cabo and Ginger – missing their treats.
A visitation was held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, Apr 14 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 West F St.. Funeral services at 10:00 am on Wednesday, Apr 15 same location. Burial follows at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, corner 5th and J Sts. a reception will follow at ‘the ranch’.
 If you care to make a memorial donation in Bill’s name, please consider the Oakdale Lions Club, PO Box 550 Oakdale, CA 95361. Funds will be designated for a special project.  
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader.
April 15, 2015