William “Bill” John McKown Jr., 71, Columbia City, passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, at Parkview Hospital.

William McKown Jr.

Born Jan. 31, 1949, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of William Sr. and Betty (Reese) McKown.

He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1967.

On May 9, 1970, he married Dena Wolfe at Troy Presbyterian Church. Bill worked for Dana Weatherhead/C.F. Gomma and AutoZone in Columbia City.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dena Kay McKown; daughters Amy Jo (Mike) Cook, Shelly Leigh (Brent) McClure and Kim Marie (Chris Hill) Austin; mother Betty McKown; sister Kathy (Noel) Johnson; brothers Tim (Cindy) McKown and Bob (Lillian) McKown; grandchildren, including Riley Austin, Logan Austin, Mikaela Austin, Jaslyn Cook, Brendan Cook, Cody (fiancee Teighan Smith) McClure, Dylan (fiancee Courtney Eytchison) McClure and Bailey McClure; and family friends Lori and Jaycee Sims.

He was preceded in death by his father; and a brother, Mike McKown.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, a private service was held by his immediate family. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send Bill’s family online condolences or sign the online guestbook.