Billy Joe McEwen, 85, of Caseyville, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

He was born June 6, 1941, in Bruceton, TN, to the late Ernest and Ethel (nee Milton) McEwen.

Billy dedicated his life to the horse racing industry, doing what he loved most. A respected horse trainer and owner, he began his career in 1961 and spent 65 years training and racing horses at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, IL. Horses were his passion, and the racetrack was where he made countless lifelong friendships.

In addition to his career, Billy was a proud member of Laborers' Local No. 42 in St. Louis and the Caseyville Moose Lodge. Away from the track, he enjoyed camping at Litchfield and Carlyle, sharing stories and laughs with friends while enjoying a cold Miller Lite.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene (nee Taylor) McEwen; his brother, Raymond (Glenda) McEwen; nine other siblings; his grandson, Austin McEwen; and his niece, Mary Beth McEwen.

He is survived by his children, Randy (Alice) McEwen of Caseyville, IL, and Melody McEwen of Caseyville, IL; his grandchildren, Dylan McEwen of Bethalto, IL, and Dayle McEwen of Kansas City, MO; his special niece, Donna (John) Lowe of St. Jacob, IL; his nephew, Robert "Bob" Wondolowski of Troy, IL; his great-nephews, Zach (Mary) Lowe of Santa Claus, IN, and Bobby (Tricia) Wondolowski of Millstadt, IL; his great-niece, Micah (Erick) Olan of St. Louis, MO; his great-great-nieces, Sophia Lowe and Elara Olan; his great-great-nephews, Jettson Lowe, Bobby and Mack Wondolowski; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home with Charlie Mullins officiating. Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.

Memorials are suggested to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and will be received at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.