Billy Lee McKowen
July 26, 1935 - June 16, 2026
Billy Lee McKowen passed away on June 16, 2026, at Wesley Manor in Frankfort, Indiana, after a long struggle following a massive stroke in 2016. He was born on July 26,1935 to Marshall A. McKowen and Dora Lee Ray McKowen.
He was their first and only child and grew up in Linwood; living in the apartment above the office of the Linwood Grain Co., where his father was manager of this country grain elevator, feed and seed sales business. Billy learned how to work by helping his father, as he tied feed sacks and shoveled grain even at a young age. He learned a strong work ethic from his father that stayed with him his entire life.
Billy attended elementary school in Linwood and graduated from Anderson High School in 1953.
On June 24, 1956, Billy married Marcia Roudebush in her home church, Lapel Methodist. Their 70th wedding anniversary will be June 24, 2026.
Billy worked at Linwood Grain Co., which Billy, Marcia, and his parents purchased in 1968, renaming it McKowen Grain Co. He was very generous there with cokes and candy for the customers and neighborhood children
At 63 years old Billy sold McKowen Grain Co. He continued working for Beck's Hybrids as a seed sales representative (he also sold Beck's Hybrids seed at McKowen Grain Co.). He worked with Beck's Hybrids for a total of 40 years, at the end of which he received their "Beck's Distinguished Service Award."
Billy accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of 18 at Bethany Christian Church in Anderson Indiana. He was active as a disciple of Jesus with the people of the church at Bethany for the next 72 years of his 90 years on this earth.
He was active with his three children in the Madison County 4-H program. Through the grain elevator he was actively involved helping many 4-H livestock participants with the feed and grooming for their animals and supported 4-H by purchasing livestock at the 4-H auction and livestock grand champion banners.
Billy lived on a small farm with his family and enjoyed raising cattle, sheep, hay, and a large bountiful garden. He enjoyed collecting vintage seed and feed bags. He collected pennies as a young child and continued collecting them most of his life, searching for them even for his children and grandchildren.
He had a great sense of humor that endeared him to most people who knew him. Billy loved to play card games, board games, yard games, such as croquet. He had a life-long love for basketball and baseball..
Billy and Marcia's three children are Jane (Denny) Stevenson, Jill (Kent) Thomas, and Paul (Patty) McKowen. Their grandchildren are Jeremy (Ariel) Stevenson, Kayla Thomas, Kyle Thomas, Jessica (Cameron) Vester, Jake McKowen, Brenna (Ryan) Young, Connor (Jennifer) McKowen, and Brydon (John Dylan) Conrad. Their great grandchildren are Skyelar, Beckett, Richard, Jacob, Colton, Harper, Luke, Jace, Jordan, Logen, Waylan, Layne, and Ross. His parents, Deceased are his parents, Marshall and Dora Lee McKowen.
Funeral service will be at 2:00pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Bethany Christian Church with Pastor Chris Bell officiating. The burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 12:00pm - 2:00pm on Wednesday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bethany Christian Church.
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