William Albert McEowen

We are celebrating the life of William “Bill” Albert McEowen, 82, who passed away unexpectedly on June 4, 2022, in Pinetop, Arizona.

In addition to his parents, Albert (Mac) and Mary McEowen, he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Woodall, granddaughter, Brianne Edelman and late wife, Nancy McEowen, and now joins them in heaven.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Diane McEowen, are his son Greg McEowen and his wife Ann McEowen, his daughter Pam McEowen and her husband Chuck Falk, his sister Barbara Cropper and her husband, Gary Cropper, and his grandchildren, Audra McEowen, Billy McEowen and Meredith Edelman.

In April of this year, Bill and his wife Diane celebrated 15 beautiful years together.  He also played a big part as stepdad in the lives of Diane’s three children, Chuck Whitlow, Wendy McClendon and Reed Whitlow, as well as “Grandpa Bill” to all of Diane’s 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  Their eyes lit up when they saw him as he reached out to them.  The embraces and laughter were mutual.

Bill was born in Vincennes, Indiana on October 23, 1939.  He graduated from the University of Arizona, and went on to be a teacher and coach at South Mountain High School.  Bill was a professor at Mesa Community College and earned two Masters degrees along the way.  He partially retired at the young age of 50 and fully retired soon after.

Bill was larger than life to his family.  He was a protector, provider, a knower of all things and the one we relied on so much.  He was quick with guidance, humor and an “I love you” to help us. 

Bill was a constant at his children and grandchildren’s events, independent of what he had to do to be there.  We will all continue to feel his presence during these memorable times as he will never miss anything important.  He made us all better every day by being him.

Bill enjoyed numerous things in life.  He was an true dog lover having many throughout his life.  He traveled the country extensively in RVs and enjoyed the virtues of the outdoors.  He built an amazing cabin with the help of his son and friends—a place where we have countless special memories.  He was a sports bug—a trait he shares with his son and grandson.  We refer to Bill, Greg and Billy as “three peas in a pod” as they share so much.

We can honor you Bill/Dad, by continuing to be the best versions of ourselves as you would want.  We all realize how truly blessed we are for the years spent with you.  As we work through the pain of losing you, we know your spirit and presence will always be with us in our hearts and memories.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate this great man in the future, and will advise details as soon as we have them.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Albert McEowen, please visit our floral store.