Billy Ray Gowen, 75 years old, passed away at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Friday, March 12, 2021.

Billy was born and raised in Missouri. At the age of 17, Billy married his high school sweetheart, Jean Dickerson. During this time Billy also enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving overseas in the Vietnam War. After serving his 4-year enlistment with the Marine Corps Billy joined the United States Air Force. After serving for 20-years he retired. After he retired from the Air Force he enjoyed a 20 year career in Civil Service.

Billy is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Jean; his two daughters, Marla and Lisa; and his grandchildren, Ryan and Jessana. Billy is also survived by his three sisters, Wanda of Dexter, Missouri, Donna and her husband Alan of Tucson, Arizona and Paula and her husband Don of Tucson, Arizona; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Beatrice Gowen; and brother-in-law, Charles (Wanda's husband).

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri on Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m.

Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Chapel on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

Interment will follow in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield with full military honors.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.