Bill Rickey

Walter William ‘Bill’ Rickey, 79, of Shawnee passed away on November 27, 2024. 

Bill was born January 8, 1945 in Hobart, OK to Walter and Nadean Rickey. He was the oldest of two boys. He earned degrees from Oklahoma State University, finishing his formal schooling with a Master’s Degree in Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. 

Bill married his high-school sweetheart Mary and they had two children, Rhonda and Dale. Later on, Bill and Mary added two daughters of the heart, Darla Shackelford and Terri Ring. 

Bill had a love for children and dedicated his life to teaching and coaching. He had a passion for calf roping his whole life, and after retirement, his encouraging personality was continuously seen by the entire roping community. Attending ropings was his favorite pastime and the lifelong memories and stories with countless friends were held close to his heart.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nadean Rickey and his daughter, Rhonda Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his son, Dale, and his brother, Tom Rickey and wife Glena. Bill, better known as Papa, is also survived by his grandchildren - Nathan Thomas, Dia Bodenstein and husband Travis, and Montana Rickey and great-grandchildren - Liam Thomas and Walt and Elizabeth Bodenstein. 

A memorial ceremony for Bill will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Walker Funeral Chapel in Shawnee, OK.