William Troy Owens

William Troy Owens, 80, went to his heavenly home on April 7, 2024. Troy was born in Cisco, TX to Clarence and Vera Thomas Owens. The family moved to Arkansas during his early childhood. He attended school in Truman, AR and later DeWitt, AR. He graduated from Dewitt High school in 1963. In 1966 he married his high school sweetheart, Nadja McKewen. He graduated from Henderson State University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1969. After graduation, he and Nadja moved to Searcy, AR where he worked as manager of Searcy Farms. While in Searcy he made lifelong friends and was able to pursue his dream of raising and showing Quarter horses.

In 1973, when their son Todd was two, Troy and Nadja wanted to be closer to family and moved back to DeWitt. They bought DeWitt Dairy Bar, renaming it Troy’s Drive In. Their daughter, Joy was born in 1975. During the 37 years of operating Troy’s, he also enjoyed raising horses, playing golf, and coaching baseball from tee ball to pony league.

Troy is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Vera Owens, and two brothers G.W. Fox and Leon Fox. He is survived by his wife, Nadja; beloved children, Todd (Kate), Joy Owens Mathews (Mike). He had five cherished grandchildren, Autumn Mathews, Caleb Owens (Quinn), Jaycee Mathews, Ryan Owens and Elliott Owens. Also survived by his brothers, Junior Fox, Ronnie Owens (DeAnna) and Wendell Owens (Hilda), a host of nieces and nephews, and special friends Dr. Eddy Hord, Jim Binam, Jerry Bunn, and John Allen Burns.

A memorial service to celebrate Troy’s life will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00 am at the First Assembly of God Church in DeWitt with visitation to follow.  Cremation arrangements by Essex Funeral Home.  www.essexfuneralhome.com