Wilfred Walker

Wilfred Herron (Bill) Walker, age 91 and resident of Bartlesville OK. passed away on Friday, August 26th, 2016. Bill was born on May 18, 1925 in Augusta, Kansas to Wilfred Harold Walker and Gertrude Kellett Walker. Bill grew up in El Dorado, Kansas along with his parents, brother (Jack) and sister (Patsy). During summer months, Bill worked for his dad at his bulk plant, and later started working at a service station after school and Saturdays. He also played the B-Flat clarinet at school and the El Dorado City Band. After graduating from high school, Bill joined the U.S. Navy in the V-5 program, then to the Reserve Midshipman's school at Notre Dame University. Bill served the last year aboard the USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83), primarily bringing back personnel and supplies from Europe after the end of WWII. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Bill enrolled at Wichita Municipal University (now Wichita State). Bill met Billie Louise Oldham while working at the Hutchinson Municipal Swimming Pool during the summer of 1947, and were married in February of 1948, and graduated from Wichita Municipal University shorty after. Bill started working for Phillips Petroleum Company, and he and Billie had Carrie Sue. After moving to Missoula Montana, Anne Elizabeth and Rodney James were born. Phillips moved Bill to Spokane Washington, then on to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he retired from Phillips in 1985 after 37 years. During retirement, Bill and Billie enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. Bill enjoyed listening to live music, and started going to the annual Ragtime Festival in Sedalia Missouri with Billie. Bill was a member of one of the local Lions Club and was a member of the Great American Coffee Club (retired Phillips Employees). Last year, Bill was selected to one of the Oklahoma Honor Flights which takes World War II Veterans to the World War II Memorial in Washington DC. This was a once in a lifetime experience that he enjoyed immensely. Bill and Billie were longtime and active members of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Bartlesville. He had many good friends throughout his life. He valued his friendships at his church, those who he lived with at Green Country Village, and those members of the Great American Coffee Club. He loved serving his family, friends, and his community. He lived a good life and was grateful for his blessings. Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Billie Walker, his daughters; Carrie Kitterman of Tulsa, OK, Anne Padgett of Edmond, OK, a son; Rod (and Lisa) Walker of Round Rock, TX, three granddaughters; Heather Henson (and Gary Parchem), Crystal (and Jake) Shuler, Valerie (and Troy) Dudenhoefer, four great grandchildren; Dylan Henson, Lilliana Shuler, Joshua Walker, Christopher Dudenhoefer, and his sister Patsy (and Proctor) Dean. He was preceded in death by his father; Wilfred Harold Walker, Mother; Gertrude Kellett Walker, Step Mother; Gladys Walker, and one brother; Jack Walker. Services will be held at First Christian Church located at 520 S. Osage Ave, Bartlesville, OK on Friday September 16, at 10:00 am with Pastor Kim Hames officiating, followed by a committal at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to First Christian Church of Bartlesville. Arrangements are under the direction of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Friday, September 16th, 2016 10:00am, First Christian Church - Bartlesville

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville