Billy Olmstead

Billy George Olmstead

Bill Olmstead was born March 30, 1934 to Harold Oliver and Reia Juanita (Messenger) Olmstead on the family farm north of Buffalo, Oklahoma. Billy is the oldest of 6 children that were born over a 20 years span, joined by siblings Carol, Juanita, twins Harold Jay & Ruby and then baby brother Howard. Bill attended the Liberty Country School then went to the Buffalo High School. Bill and Yvonne Marie Paulk were united in marriage on April 2, 1954 in the Christian Church of Woodward, Oklahoma, to this union two children were born, Billy and LaDawn. Bill was called to active duty in the United States Army in May 1956 and was honorably discharged in April 1958. Bill worked in the oilfield, drove a propane tanker, worked as a mechanic for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Division 6 head quarters in Buffalo, and through all this time farming was what he enjoyed the most. For several years he would load up the combine on the wheat truck and drive south to Texas to harvest wheat working his way back north. Before Bill completely retired he was elected as Harper County Commissioner for dist #3 and served 2 terms. Bill enjoyed his time spent with his grandchildren (even bailing them out of trouble when needed). He also enjoyed his 3 great grandchildren. His favorite way to pass the day was to relax in his recliner and watch baseball games and good old western shows.

Bill having lost the ends of two fingers in an accident he always made sure that all the small children in the family (fingers up their noses) knew what would happen if they didn’t stop! Bill was preceded in death by parents, brother Harold Jay Olmstead and sister Carol Gokey Long. Bill departed this life late Tuesday night at his home in Buffalo at the age of 76. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Yvonne of the home, son Billy Wayne & wife Karlinda of Buffalo, Ok. LaDawn and husband Ronald Ramey of Mooreland, Oklahoma, brother Howard & wife Debbie Olmstead of Elk City, Oklahoma, sisters Juanita and husband George Snow of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Ruby and husband Jack Stout of Woodward, Oklahoma, Granddaughters Mary Olmstead, Amber Mahlock, Grandsons Adam and wife Mackenzie Olmstead, Aaron Ramey and fiancé Celestia Taylor, Great Grandchildren Keeley Mahlock, Braxton Olmstead and Titus Olmstead, sister-in-law Marnie Olmstead of California and brother-in-law Clarence Long of Buffalo, Oklahoma, many other relatives and good friends.