Submitted by
Louise Willison

Billy Gene Goddard

Billy Gene Goddard, longtime Newkirk resident, died Saturday night, Nov. 4, 2006, at his son's home near Braman. He was 52.

The funeral has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, in Christ's Church of Newkirk with Danny W. Cornish officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Billy Gene Goddard was born Dec. 21, 1953, in Ponca City, the son of Merrell Leon and Bernadine Marie Rahlf Goddard. He grew up in Newkirk and received his education in the Newkirk school system. He then worked on the pipelines in Kansas and Oklahoma.

On Oct. 14, 1972, he and Sharon Sue Pidcock were married in Newkirk. They established their home in Newkirk where they lived their entire married life.

Over the years Billy had been employed with Skyline and Escapade Mobile Homes, both in Arkansas City, Kan.; Ponca City Tank Company, working in Louisiana; Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, Kan.; Sullivan and Butler Trucking Companies; Bruce Horinek Oil; L. B. White Trucking; and the county of Kay County, where he was employed as a road grader operator.

Following a stroke he suffered in 1992, he took a medical retirement from the county.

Billy had been a member of the Church of Christ. An avid reader, he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, Nintendo games and working on cars. A favorite past time was dancing with his wife Susie. His favorite movies starred John Wayne, and he enjoyed the old Buddy Holly music. Billy played the guitar and was a self taught player. He treasured his grandchildren and was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his wife Susie; one daughter, Debbie Goddard of Newkirk; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Lynette Goddard of Braman; his four grandchildren, Dalton, Michael, Matt and Megan; his mother, Bernadine Goddard of Newkirk; a sister, Kay Jones of Newkirk; one brother Darrell Goddard of Newkirk; and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Merrell Goddard, and both sets of grandparents.

Those serving as casket bearers will be Bob Burke, Mike Burke, Joe Goddard, Pete Ewing, David Byrd and Richard Martin.

A memorial fund has been established with Faith Hospice of Blackwell. Contributions may be made in Mr. Goddard's name through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk, Okla. 74647-0468.