William Austin Stowe

William A. “Bill” Stowe, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Sutherlin, Ore., on April 30, 2011.

He was born March 4, 1926, to John and Bessie Stowe in Conway, Ark. At age two, the family moved to Springfield, Mo., and later moved to the Logan/Rogersville area where he attended school through eighth grade. He then attended Rogersville High School for two years. From 1939 through 1941 he caddied at Hickory Hills Country Club in Springfield, Mo.

In 1942 the family moved to Oroville. He graduated from Oroville High School in April of 1944 and joined the U.S. Navy the same month. He spent WWII in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Mendocino, APA 100. After the war, he was honorably discharged and returned to Oroville where he married Roberta Patterson in August 1947.

In the early 1950’s, he became active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JACEES) where he became a charter President. In 1955, the family moved to Wenatchee, where he became an avid golfer. In 1961, he turned professional and was a class “A” member of the PGA. The familiy then moved to Omak, where he became the head professional at the Okanogan Valley Golf Club. In 1963 the family moved to Sumner, Wash., where he became head professional at the Puyallup’s Linden Golf and Country Club. In 1967, he went to work for The Boeing Company, but still remained active in the PGA. In 1969 and 1970 while still employed at Boeing he designed High Cedars Golf course in Orting, Wash. In 1989 and 1990 he designed Lipoma Firs Golf Course in Graham, Wash. He retired from The Boeing Company in April of 1990. In June of 1990 his wife of 43 years, Roberta, lost her battle with cancer. He then became a teaching Pro at Christy’s Driving Range in Edgewood, Wash. In 1995, he married long time friend, Margaret Paynter-Pepiot in Roseburg, Ore. They made their home in Sumner until 1997 when they moved to Desert Aire, Wash. In 2005 they moved to Sutherlin, Ore.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; three sons: Byran of Sumner, Wash., Greg (Gail) of Tacoma, Wash. and Jeff (Diane) of Tacoma, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Linda of Edgewood, Wash.; step-daughters: Angelique (Gene) of Hillsboro, Ore. and Andrea (Scott) of Sutherlin, Ore.; step-son, Aaron (Dicy) of Oakland, Ore.; sister, Norma McCarver of Brewster, Wash.; and two special double cousins, Dan Stowe and Viola Hillman both of Springfield, Mo; five grandchildren: Gary, Grant (Tami), Jason, Jamie, Nikole (Brittan); and nine step-grandchildren; three great-granchildren: Payton, Cooper and Paige (due in August); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, one sister and one brother.

A celebration of his life will be held at High Cedars Golf Club, 14604 149th St. Ct. East in Orting, Wash., on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at 2 p.m. A celebration of his life will also be held at the Desert Aire Golf Course, 504 Clubhouse Way West, Desert Aire, Wash., on Sunday, June 26, at 2 p.m in lieu of flowers please make donations to your local Veteran’s Association.

Sutherlin Chapel of the Roses is in charge of arrangements. Please visit website at www.sutherlinchapeloftherosesfh.com.