William "Bill" Yardy, Jr.

William Yardy, Jr., 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at his home in Shawnee. “Brother Bill”, as he was affectionately known, was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on  November 16, 1921 to William Yardy, Sr. and Katie (Marsey) Yardy.  Bill spent his childhood in Okmulgee, and was later sent to Chilocco Indian Boarding School, where he graduated Valedictorian of his class. After graduation he enrolled at Oklahoma A&M College and received his Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, while working as a sheet metal worker. In 1942 he was drafted into the Air Force, and went into pilot training during WWII.  He was honorably discharged in 1946. Bill went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company in Borger, Texas.  While there he had a calling to do the Lord’s work.  Bill was baptized in 1950, and in 1952 he left Phillips Petroleum and enrolled at Oklahoma Baptist University, graduating in 1958 with a Master’s degree in history and religious education.  Bill started preaching at Oakland Baptist Church in Shawnee and also started work at Tinker Air Force Base as a tool and dye worker, where he worked for 31 years.  Bill continued missionary work until his later years. He married Anna Mae Monday on September 3, 1947, and to this union 7 children were born.  After Anna’s passing he married Dorothy (Serber) Yardy on September 29, 1972.  They recently celebrated 44 years of marriage. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna, infant daughter Marion April, son Stephen Bruce, Sr. and all of his siblings.  Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy, of the home; children Jackie Mason of Edmond, Becky Rowe and husband John, of Guthrie, Pete Yardy and wife Teresa of Shawnee, Robin Yardy of Edmond, John Yardy and wife Maria of Norman. He is also survived by Dorothy’s children Frances and the late Tommy Hurd, Steve & Eva Trammell of Shawnee, Tony & Kim Trammell of Oklahoma City.  Bill is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. Bill was a great man, full of stories and loved by all who knew him.  He will be greatly missed. As per Bill’s request, no funeral service is scheduled.  Cremation will be handled by Walker Funeral Service. Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 15 at the First Indian Baptist Church of Shawnee with Rev. Jimmy Anderson officiating.