Submitted by
Louise Willison

Billy Gene Dyer Sr.

NEWKIRK — Billy Gene Dyer Sr., longtime Newkirk resident, died Wednesday, July 26, 2006, at his home. He was 69.

Funeral service has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29 in the First United Methodist Church of Newkirk with the Rev. James Hollifield officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The body will lie in state at the funeral home until 9 p.m. Friday.

A memorial fund has been established with Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Mr. Dyer's memory through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk 74647-0468.

Billy Gene Dyer was born Sept. 11, 1936, in Morland, Kan., the son of Denny and Fern E. (Cherry) Dyer. He grew up and received his education in Lucas, Kan. and graduated from high school there with the class of 1955.

Immediately after graduation, on May 25, 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Eniwetok Marshall Island with Operation Red Wing, testing the atomic bombs. He was honorably discharged in May 24, 1957. He then served in the reserves until May 24, 1963.

On Nov. 4, 1962, Bill and Ruby Louise Luginbill were married in Seneca, Kan. They established their first home in Lucas but began moving around Kansas and Oklahoma while he worked in construction. In 1971 they moved to Newkirk where they have since resided.

In addition to construction, his work history included employment with Russell County, Maurer-Neurer Meat Packing Plant in Arkansas City for 16 years, employment with Kay County as a grader operator for 14 years and working on construction of Kaw Dam.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Lucas, the Order of the Eastern Star in Ponca City, and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed goofing around in his machine shop, gardening, watching TV and was an avid football fan. He relished visiting with old friends and younger friends alike. He also treasured spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby; two sons, Bill Dyer Jr. and Jay Dyer, both of Ponca City; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Eugene Blackwell of Lucas, Kan. and Mary and Jim Williamson of Wheaton, Kan.; and seven grandchildren, Todd, Tommy and Patience Dyer and Seth Dyer, all of Ponca City, Hope Dyer of Lebo, Kan., Brenna and Emily Dyer of Pelican, La..; his mother-in-law, Mavis Luginbill of Seneca; his sisters-in-law, Roberta Luginbill and Penny Sue Kramer, both of Lawrence, Joyce Ann Pethan and her husband John of Kohler, Wis.; many nephews and nieces; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lester who died in infancy and Chet Dyer; a sister, Barbara Moon; and his father-in-law, William Luginbhill.

Those serving as casket bearers will be Cody Main, Seth Dyer, Tommy Dyer, Todd Dyer, John Anschutz and Jeff Anschutz.