Dr. Willis Lysle "Bill" Owen, Jr.

Willis Lysle "Bill" Owen, Jr. died on June 24, 2021. He was born November 3, 1940 in Pampa, Texas to Willis Lysle Owen, Sr. and Olive Mae Owen. Bill grew up in Big Spring, Texas where he was active in Boy Scouts, proudly achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Big Spring High School, obtained his baccalaureate in chemical engineering from Rice University, his master's degree in mathematics from Indiana University, and his doctorate in mathematics from University of Minnesota. Bill taught biostatistics and served as a statistical consultant at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, retiring as Chair of the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology in 2007. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bill is survived by his wife of 39 years Ann, his son John, his daughter Claire, and by too many others to mention by name. He touched numerous lives with his teaching, patience, gentleness, and humor. There will be a Memory Room set up at Smith & Kernke North May for anyone wanting to pay their respects to Bill from 10am-4pm on Friday, July 23, 2021. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice.