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William "Bill"
Mowry
June 12, 1949 – June 3, 2026
Casa Grande Valley Elks Lodge #1957
10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)
William "Bill" Mowry, affectionately known as "WB," beloved father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend, passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, adventure, generosity, and unconditional love.
Born in Iowa in 1949 and raised in Hugo, Colorado, Bill graduated from Hugo High School in 1967. Following high school, he attended trade school in Goodland, Kansas, earning a degree in Drafting and Civil Engineering. Those early years laid the foundation for a lifelong career of building, creating, and helping shape the communities around him.
A bit of a nomad at heart, Bill followed opportunity wherever it led. He traveled throughout the Rocky Mountain region, helping build bridges and infrastructure along the I-70 corridor and contributing to projects that supported Colorado's growing mountain communities. In the 1970s, his adventurous spirit even led him to live in a teepee along the Tongue River on his sister's ranch—a story that perfectly reflected his independent nature and love of the outdoors. He was never afraid to pack up, start over, and chase the next dream.
In 1983, Bill married Colleen, and together they began building a life centered on family, hard work, and possibility. Their daughter, Larmie, was born in 1986, and the family eventually settled in Corrales, New Mexico. There, Bill founded Mowry Custom Doors and Furniture, turning his craftsmanship and creativity into a thriving business. Some of Larmie's earliest memories were spent in her dad's woodworking shop, learning the value of hard work while sweeping piles of sawdust for five cents a dustpan.
Seeking a slower pace of life and a return to family roots, Bill moved his family to the Eastern Plains of Colorado in 1998. There, he began a new chapter as a building inspector, a career that would open countless doors and opportunities. In 2004, once again following his adventurous spirit and the growing construction industry, he relocated to Arizona.
Over the years, Bill worked throughout Arizona for Willdan Engineering, inspecting casinos, solar farms, universities, commercial developments, and residential properties. He took immense pride in his work and earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike through his integrity, knowledge, and dedication.
Though Bill and Colleen later went their separate ways, they shared many years together and a daughter they both loved deeply. A few years later, Bill welcomed Joyce into his life, and together they built a wonderful chapter in Arizona City, Arizona, where they enjoyed retirement, friendship, and community.
In 2016, Bill became "Papa" to his granddaughter, Kymiah—the greatest joy of his later years. There was nothing he loved more than being her grandfather. She was his light, his pride, and the center of countless stories, adventures, and cherished moments.
Bill believed deeply in giving back to his community. He dedicated countless hours to organizing motorcycle charity rides benefiting local children and families. Every year, he helped coordinate toy runs for the Boys & Girls Club of Arizona City, bringing together friends, riders, businesses, and community members to make a difference. He was a natural leader, always building relationships, bringing people together, and finding ways to help others.
One of Bill's favorite places was the Elks Lodge in Casa Grande, where he served as President of the Elks Riders. He loved leading rides, planning adventures, and sharing the camaraderie of the open road. Even after a memorable ride when his handlebars unexpectedly came off while riding near the front of a 50-bike pack, he never lost his love for motorcycles—or his ability to turn every experience into a legendary story.
And stories were Bill's specialty.
There are simply too many stories to tell. Whether gathered around a campfire, sitting in a garage, riding down a highway, or sharing a meal with family and friends, Bill had a gift for storytelling that could make anyone laugh, think, or feel like they were right there beside him. His stories connected people. They preserved memories. They made ordinary moments unforgettable.
Bill will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his craftsmanship, his generosity, his sense of humor, and his unwavering love for family. He was the kind of man who could fix almost anything, build something from nothing, and make a friend wherever he went.
Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce Mowry; his daughter, Larmie Mowry; son-in-law, Constantinos Manoli; his beloved granddaughter, Kymiah; his grandson, Priamos Manoli; his sister and brother-in-law, Margie and Dean Woodard; and numerous extended family members, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Horace "H.C." Mowry, and by Colleen Mowry.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that his stories, lessons, laughter, and love will continue to live on through all who knew him.
Ride free, Bill. Your road may have ended here, but your journey lives on in all of us.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Casa Grande, Arizona. Following the service, the Elks Riders will lead a memorial ride to the Tumbleweed Inn in Eloy for food, drinks, and stories.
Bill didn't want a day of sadness—he wanted a party. Come celebrate a life well lived and share your favorite "Bill stories."
For questions, please call or text his daughter, Larmie, at 520-540-5405.
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