Obituaries 17 March 2025

Owen “Woodchopper” James Willey

Owen “Woodchopper” James Willey, 80, of Hillsboro, passed away Saturday , March 15, 2025 surrounded by his family at home. 

He was born June 8, 1944 in Hillsboro, the son of the late James and Gracie (McQuitty) Willey. 

Owen and his loving wife, Angie, were the owners and operators of Willey’s Firewood, Tree Service and Landscaping for over 50 years. Owen was a member of the Loveland Wesleyan Chapel where he was saved, and he also attended Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene. From an early age, Owen had a keen interest in the natural world, a passion that led him to his favorite pastime of mushroom hunting. He also enjoyed a good game of pool and poker in his earlier years. Yet, it was his love for working in his yard and nurturing his landscape that truly exemplified Owen's character. He spent countless hours tending to his yard, working on his landscape, and creating an outdoor haven. Owen’s rich and fulfilling life stands as an inspiration for us all to cherish the simple pleasures of life. 

Owen is survived by his wife, Angie (Hilterbran) Willey, whom he married on Feb. 14, 1999, and were together for 52 years; children, Brittany Willey Oxley (Eddie), Mike Jennings (Tami), Karen Eversole (Tom), Richie (Mina) Willey, Greg (Starla) Willey and Tangie (Tim) Inskeep; grandchildren, Hallie Oxley, Jayden Oxley, Abasi Eno Anietie, JR Willey, Renee (Carl) Stollsteimer, Jessica (Travis) Hibbs, Mikey Jennings, Emily Eversole (Josh), Morgan Eversole (Levi), Brooklyn Eversole (Harold), Greg Willey Jr., Matt (Christina) Willey, Jenni (Trevor) Gleadle, Brad (Christy) Miller, TJ (Sarah) Miller, Tyler (Tara) Miller and Miriah Miller (Jared); 23 great-grandchildren, one on the way; one great-great-grandson; siblings, Wanda Shaw, Carol (Wes) Durham, Opal (Don) Cramer, and William (Brenda) Willey; mother-in-law, Kate Hilterbran and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Mirl Willey, Betty Bowe, Gennie Couch, Ruth Butler, Ducky Ryan and Miriam Barber; grandson, Jack Martin Oxley; son-in-law, Len Oxley; father-in-law, Amos Hilterbran, and special friend, Andy Jackson. 

Visitation will be 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, March 24 at the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene, 8230 U.S. 50, Hillsboro. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 24 at the church. Burial will follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery. 

The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.

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