Billy Lee Kouns

Billy Lee Kouns, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away suddenly of a stroke on February 12, 2023, at the age of 72. He was born on May 12, 1950 to William (Bill Sr.) and Ruth Kouns in Los Angeles, California. The family soon moved to Caldwell, Idaho where he was joined by his sister Susan McKee and his brother John. Bill started school in Caldwell, but at the beginning of the 3rd grade his family moved to Nyssa, Oregon where he would grow up and finish high school.

Bill was a devoted husband to his loving wife Ann Kouns. They married in September of 1972 after Bill graduated from Eastern Oregon College. During the first few years of marriage, they lived and worked in Montana, Lewiston (Idaho), Idaho Falls, then finally in Caldwell where he got his start with the JR Simplot Company that would last for 35 years. Together they raised two children, Jay (Maite) Kouns and Jami (Garry) Lough. He adored his four grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brody, Charli, and Wyatt, and cherished the time he spent with them.

Bill was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who loved nothing more than exploring and being in the outdoors. He had a particular fondness for the Owyhee Mountains, where he spent many happy hours with his friends and family. His love of the Owyhee’s was evident, and he was always happiest when he was out and about finding the new secret fishing holes, chasing chucker’s, and trying to figure out where the big bucks roamed.

Bill spent 35 years working for the JR Simplot Company, where he met and made many lifelong friends. His career involved time in Caldwell where he started but he later moved his family to Presque Isle, Maine in 1984 for two years before returning to finish in Boise. He retired in 2009 where he and Ann would split time between Arizona and Idaho enjoying the simple pleasures of life. They met and made some remarkable friends and memories during their retirement and time travelling. Bill’s friends were always so important to him and his devotion and willingness to do anything for them was always evident.

Bill will be remembered by all who knew him for his kind heart, his infectious laugh, and his unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on June 3, 2023 at the Txoko Ona Basque Center located at 333 S. Main St., Homedale, Idaho 83628. The celebration will begin at 11AM with lunch being served at NOON.

If you would like to comment on Bill, please send your thoughts to Cloverdale Funeral Home or www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com.