William Barton Owens passed away on September 8, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by faith, family, service, and a lasting commitment to helping others.

William was born on December 22, 1936, in Ashford, Alabama. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he honorably served his country before beginning a long and dedicated career with the United States Postal Service. For 37 years, William worked as a letter carrier, faithfully serving his community and forming many friendships along the way.

William had a genuine love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He shared that love of nature with generations of young men through his service as a Boy Scout troop leader. He taught his Scouts the skills of camping, outdoor survival, self-reliance, and responsibility, and took great pride in guiding many of them along the path to achieving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. The lessons he taught extended far beyond the outdoors and remained with those young men throughout their lives.

His influence on young people was also evident on the athletic field. Throughout the 1960s, William coached elementary football and baseball, leading teams at Creswell Elementary and Arthur Circle Elementary to numerous city championships. He also devoted his time to coaching through the YMCA. While he enjoyed winning, his greatest contribution was teaching young athletes teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and good sportsmanship.

Above all else, William was a man of deep Christian faith. He loved the Lord and made his faith the foundation of his home and family. He was an active member of his church and made certain his family was in church on Wednesdays and Sundays. During the 1960s, he faithfully served as a deacon at Shreve City Baptist Church. His devotion to God was not simply something he spoke about—it was reflected in the way he lived, served, and cared for others.

William deeply loved his family and cherished the many friends he made throughout his lifetime. Whether through his family, church, military service, career, scouting, coaching, or time spent in the outdoors, he touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and devotion that will not soon be forgotten.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia B. Owens, and his brother, John Owens.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Mike Owens; Jim Owens and wife, Susan; and Sam Owens; grandchildren, Zackary Owens, Patrick Owens, Amy Owens, Tyler Owens, and Chase Owens; great-grandchildren, Mason Owens, Grant Owens, Josie Owens, Cara Owens, and Knox Owens; along with many extended family members, friends, former Scouts, athletes, and others whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Though William's earthly journey has ended, the values he lived by—the love of God, devotion to family, service to country and community, and the importance of guiding the next generation—will continue through the many lives he touched.

His was a life well lived, a faith faithfully kept, and a legacy worthy of remembrance.

A visitation will be held at 10am Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Aulds Funeral Home in Shreveport. A graveside service will follow at 11:30am at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville.