In Pennsylvania, 100-year-old bowler still throws strikes

William Owen Hanna is lifelong bowler who still hits the lanes every week.

ByMatteo Iadonisi, 6abc Philadelphia
October 7, 2026, 9:23 AM

He's been bowling since he was a teenager. But this week, William Owen Hanna perhaps threw the strike of the century.

That's because he just turned 100 years old on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.

The Darby Township, Pennsylvania, man, known best as 'Owen,' is a veteran, deacon and now a centenarian.

Owen served in the United States Army in the Quartermaster Corps for two years. He went on to work several jobs as a trucking contractor, welder and Diesel engine auto mechanic and more.

Apart from his marriage, one of his greatest devotions is to the First African Baptist Church of Darby Township. Over roughly 70 years, he served as a Sunday schoolteacher and superintendent, treasurer, chairman of the Bus Transportation Ministry and as a deacon.

He still serves as a member of the Adult Sunday School Class and the Board of Deacons Ministry.

Hanna was also a Boy Scout Leader despite only having female children. His wife and three of his four daughters have since passed.

Owen is known as 'Big Pop-Pop' to many grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren.

Today, his birthday was celebrated by fellow members of the senior league at MacDade Bowl, which he attends weekly for half the year.

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola