Willie Claude Owens entered this life on November 5, 1932, and departed us on January 1, 2026, at the age of 93. Willie was born in Greenwood, Arkansas to Earl Owens and Donnie Owens (nee Holland) after his older sister Delois (Guenther) and preceding his younger brother Gerald. The Owens family moved from Arkansas to the Fresno area of California when he was two years old and settled in Oakdale, California when he was the age of three. Willie attended Oakdale schools from kindergarten through high school, graduating from Oakdale High School in 1950.
Willie had a tour in Korea for one year and 19 days and was discharged on July 1, 1955. He was always willing to share stories about his left-handedness and the Army training everyone right-handed. Especially, the story of the Lieutenant who confronted him while he was on guard duty that one night in Korea, for carrying his rifle left-handed. Upon returning home he met and married Annette Woodward (now Copetti) on October 5, 1955. They celebrated the births of their sons, Thomas, 1956, Daniel, 1957, and Richard, 1963.
Willie worked for Modesto Irrigation District for the remainder of his working career.
In 1968, Willie divorced Annette and in 1969 married Velma Mize (nee Seigman) and their marriage continued until separated by death.
Throughout Willie’s life he was known as a perfectionist in everything that he did. Willie’s friends always wanted to have Willie help them on their projects because they knew they could count on him to make sure the job was done to perfection.
After retirement, on January 1, 1989, from Modesto Irrigation District, Willie went on to finally do the things he wanted to do, travel with his wife Velma. They bought a motorhome and traveled all over the United States and also took a few trips to Europe.
When not traveling, Willie collected old woodworking power tools and restored them to perfection. When he would have a visitor over and was showing off his shop, he would delight in placing a nickel on edge on the table saw, then turning it on, then off and then smile, as the nickel would not budge a mil. His shop was his pride and joy.
Willie is preceded in death by his mother and father, Donnie and Earl, his sister Delois Guenther (and Orville), his brother Gerald, and his wife Velma. Willie is survived by his sons, Thomas Owens, Daniel Owens, Richard Owens, and his stepsons, Donald Mize (Renata), Robert Mize (Susan) and Terry Mize. Grandchildren, Lindsey Owens, TJ Owens (Irene), Hailey Bradd (Jared), William Owens (Keri), Kelsey Owens, Megan Mize (Conor Kruger), Keith Mize, Matthew Mize (Christina), Tyler Mize (Brittany), Cherise Davidson (Gentry), Eric Wilson (Jennifer) and John Wilson (Stevie), 22 great-grandkids, his first wife Annette and his brother’s wife Julie Owens. And many, many nieces and nephews.
Willie will be interned at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA next to his wife Velma in a private ceremony with friends and family. In early spring, a celebration of life for Willie will be held near Oakdale, contact his son Thomas for details.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Feb. 11, 2026
