Billy Edward Walcher

Billy Edward Walcher was born on December 25, 1933 to E.J. and Vera (Ferguson) Walcher, in Buffalo, OK.

During his younger years, Bill lived and attended school in Buffalo, Oklahoma.  During school Bill worked with his brother Les at the family locker plant. In true “Bill Walcher” fashion even work turned into a game as Bill and Les invented some pretty creative ways to get their work accomplished, which usually landed them in hot water. Bill’s older sister Shirley had a big job trying to keep her brothers in line. One of Bill’s longest friendships was established the day he was born. Avis (Fleming) Forbes, who was born on the same day and year, was one of Bill’s closest friends. One of bill’s biggest joys in life was his visits with Avis. They were like brother and sister and their friendship lasted a lifetime.

Upon graduation in 1951, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in the Korean War. He was stationed on the USS Twining, DD540 and made many lifelong friends during his time in service. Every year a group of his Navy friends would call each other during Christmas. He was the last living member of this group and often commented on how he missed catching up with his fellow service men. Bill loved to tell his more colorful stories of his time in the Navy and was able to educate his grandchildren on the uses of torpedo water.

Bill and Arliss had frequently danced together on Saturdays during high school. They didn’t begin dating until after Bill was home on leave from the Navy and spent every day that month together. They spent a lot of time apart while Bill was deployed, but he always made sure to send her a letter everyday he could.  After dating for a year, they decided to get married. The original plan was to get married during spring break, but their plans were changed when Bill found out he was going to be deployed again. They had to make the decision to wait until he returned or he could come home for a week and they could tie the knot. After much debate they decided on the latter. On February 13, 1955 during a one week leave Bill married the love of his life Arliss Lake in Leota, KS. Thus began a wonderful marriage.  

After discharge, Bill and Arliss moved to Goodwell for 6 years and were blessed with two children: Sharon Lyn on April 12, 1958 and Kevin Ray on January 8, 1960. The family moved to Mooreland in 1963, and eventually settled in Laverne in 1966. After moving to Laverne, Bill enjoyed rodeo when he was younger and made many lifelong friends. When the kids got older; however, Bill’s rodeo days were traded for other activities. Even though Bill and Arliss were never millionaires, they always found a way to take their kids on vacation. This usually involved camping, fishing, hunting, golfing, and boating in some fashion. Bill had many hobbies; however, tormenting and joking with his friends and family was his real hobby. Second to this would have been eating Arliss’ delicious food. Not long after they moved to Laverne, while they were entertaining friends from Mooreland, Bill agreed to help with the dinner while Arliss was at school. After taking out the roast and putting the juice in a jar, he let the dog lick the pot clean. He then placed the “clean” pot on the stove. Once Arliss came home she (unknowingly) began to make the gravy in the same pot the dog had cleaned earlier. During dinner their friend said, “this is the best roast and gravy I have eaten!” Arliss noticed a suspicious grin on Bill’s face and knew something had happened. Bill was able to restrain himself until their friends were gone before telling a mortified Arliss what had happened.

Bill worked for Michigan-Wisconsin Pipeline and then Delhi Pipeline for many years until retiring. Retirement freed Bill up to do the things he really enjoyed. He loved to weld and constructed many of the buildings around their home. He also always had a small herd of cattle that he would tend to. If Bill wasn’t at the golf course, he was most likely at the COOP or Tiger Hut causing trouble.

Bill loved seeing his kids and grandkids play sports. While his children were in school he was president of the Laverne High School Quarterback Club where he had the proud honor to present Kevin with the Big E award in baseball. Bill’s sports days were long from over after their kids graduated. Bill and Arliss rarely missed a game or concert their grandchildren were in. Many hours were spent and memories made traveling to events. Bill was even named Laverne Sports Fan of the Year for the 2005-06 season.

As with all his life, Bill’s last few weeks were spent with friends and family. He was thrilled to have had the opportunity to see his great granddaughter take her first steps and his great grandson crawl for the first time. Bill loved his country and was able to see the Laverne 4th of July parade, something he talked about for weeks afterward. The day before he passed Bill was able to beat Arliss in not only pitch, but dominos as well. Bill was surely very humble about winning as we all know him to be.

Bill left this world peacefully at home on August 7, 2018 to be with his Lord.

Bill is survived by his wife, Arliss Walcher, daughter, Lyn and husband Loren Sizelove of Laverne; and son, Kevin Walcher and wife Willetta of Booker, TX. Grandchildren: Aaron Sizelove and wife Dalaina, Tamara George and husband Kevin, Krista McGuire and husband Matt, and Ashley Mussyal and husband Robert. Great grandchildren: Kiefer, Lakin, Mason, Natalie, Noah, Madison, Isaac, and soon arrival baby boy Mussyal along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brother Les Walcher and wife Mary Cook Walcher; sister Shirley (Walcher) Luckie-Mills and great granddaughter Asher Sizelove.