William Owen Obituary

William John Owen II, of Delaware, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Born October 15th, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio, to William John Owen Sr. and Evelyn Cleo (Larson) Owen, he was three minutes older than his twin, Sonja and always wanted to be first. Bill graduated from Wayne High School, attended Luther College and later a radio and broadcasting school in Columbus before joining the United States Air Force in 1969. He proudly served as news anchor for Armed Forces Radio and Television while stationed in Turkey, Thailand, and Germany during the Vietnam Era, covering notable events including the Apollo 11 moon landing while on air. He received an honorable discharge and went on to finish his bachelor's degree in communications at The Ohio State University.

After working as a broadcaster for WMNI radio, Bill took a job as a spokesperson for the Columbus prosecutor. Bill realized he wanted to do more than just talk, he wanted to practice law. Working during the day and studying by night, Bill graduated from Capital School of Law and became a criminal prosecutor at the Franklin county prosecutor's office. He joined newly elected Attorney General Betty Montgomery as her Law Enforcement Director. Bill then opened a private practice before returning to public service as the First Assistant for Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost. Bill moved to the State of Ohio Auditor's Office when Dave Yost was elected Auditor of State. After thirty years, he tried to retire but returned to his passion for prosecuting by joining the Marion County Prosecutor's office as First Assistant. In every position he held, Bill was known as a mentor and a friend to all.

Bill was always up for a challenge, whether in the courtroom or on the golf course. He was a baseball fan from childhood and set a goal to visit as many stadiums as he could. He loved traveling, visiting relatives all over the country, even in Wales. In his seventies, Bill completed his bucket list goal of skydiving, in Norway and then in Hawaii where he fell through a rainbow. An avid BMW owner and driver since living in Germany, he belonged to the BMW Club of America and waited with great anticipation for the monthly Roundel to arrive. At the end of the day, Bill always appreciated a good cigar and a glass of fine scotch.

One of Bill's passions was cooking for family and friends. His daughters-in-law loved to visit or even have him visit their homes because they could expect chef-quality meals prepared by Chef Bill. He loved to cook, grill, roast and just putter in the kitchen. The last thing he was looking to buy was a new Weber grill so he could grill for his family and friends this summer.

His favorite role was being Grandpa. Camp Cousin in the summers saw Bill donning a bathing suit, joining the grandchildren in the kiddie pool, making pancakes , touring the zoo, and riding Millenium Force at Cedar Point with Sophie, finding the golden bone, and making smores out back or on the porch. The grandchildren decided that grandpa needed flamingos in his life and started his collection. All the grandchildren felt the love and life of their grandpa, and they are going to miss him.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 25 years, Carol (Hamilton) O'Brien; son Sean (Melie) Owen; stepsons Patrick (Ashley) O'Brien, Eamon O'Brien, and Timothy O'Brien; grandchildren: Makaela, Sophie and Mairwen Owen, Jaden O'Brien, Charlotte O'Brien and Thomas O'Brien; twin sister Sonja Lovelace and sister Faith (Tom) Harper; nieces Anna and Lisa; nephew Todd.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Elizabeth Owen.

Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

The Snyder Funeral Center, Delaware Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.