William Leon Mowell

William "Bill" Leon Mowell, 93, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 6:07 pm in his home in Elwood.

Bill was born November 23, 1931, in Springfield, Mo., the son of Leon and May Mowell. On January 10, 1959, he married Shirley Ann Hogh; they remained married for sixty years until her passing in February 2019. Not long after, he fell for Lavon McGinnis, also of Springfield; they remained happily together for six years until his passing.

For many years, had you lived in Elwood, you would have witnessed a tall and handsome raven-haired man returning at evening from Dayco Products, soon to be either astride a tractor or working a herd of cattle. His well-worn lunch box and thermos quickly abandoned to the kitchen before changing clothes upstairs. Now on his way outside, attired in long shorts while shirtless, tanned like earth. He's opening a gate, heading to the fields, always ready to do what needs to be done.

And, for a long while, among the green pastures over which this good man labored on behalf of his family, his uncommonly-slow-graying hair and easy-going manner made it all seem like one eternal summer—a season that he himself had patiently built, where you could always share beers and never enough stories—a season that seemed like it could never ever come to an end.

He will be remembered and missed by his two sons, Todd and his wife, Amy, of Springfield, and Brad and his wife, Patricia Robey, of Strafford; a sister, Evelyn Dewitt, and family, of Joplin; his niece, Theresa Kenslow and her husband, Terry, of Bois D'Arc; six grandchildren, Ahja of Willard, Christopher, Caden, and Colbee of Springfield, Kyrie and Brinley of Strafford; and step-grandchildren, Kristen of Nixa, Colby and Haley of Springfield, and Morgan of Joplin. He will also be missed by Lavon, by their friends and her family, and by many others.

He joins his parents, and his sisters, Carol, Norma Jean, and Wilma.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 -7:00 pm Wednesday, March 26, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 N. Campbell, Springfield, Mo., with Rosary at 7:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, March 27, at St. Joseph's. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church hall.