Memorial Service for Bill Stockton, 81, of Fairview, OK will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, May 9 at the Fairview First United Methodist Church. Pastor David Gordon will be the officiant. Burial will follow at 3:30 pm at the Clinton Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.
Billy John Stockton was born May 31, 1941, to Wendell Stockton and Bette (Patterson) Stockton in Clinton, OK and passed from this life the morning of May 4, 2023.
Bill grew up in Clinton, OK attending Clinton Public Schools. He was active in livestock showing, sports, glee club, and choir. He was a very active member of the FFA and was the recipient of numerous awards. One of his proudest accomplishments was receiving the Junior Master Farmer Award for the state of Oklahoma.
It was evident early on of Bill’s love of land and livestock.
Growing up, Bill’s dad owned a dairy farm where Bill worked and ran the delivery route. He often spoke about the people along his routes who were always willing to invite him in for a warm meal or a cold glass of lemonade. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1959, Bill attended Oklahoma State University where he majored in Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Education. Bill was a jack of all trades and a master of many. He spent time as “Colonel” Bill Stockton, auctioneer. He even worked at the Highway Department, gaining a deep understanding of construction. But more than anything, he was a salesman because he never met a stranger. Bill sold construction equipment, farm equipment, and anything in between for years. He did this all while continuing his love for livestock and farming. Bill married Carole Elizabeth Grant on September 25, 1975, in Guymon, OK. During their time there, Bill joined a Team Roping club where the family enjoyed attending rodeos and cheering him on during his roping events. The two moved to Fairview, OK in 1981 making it their home where Bill and Carole started their own business where his oilfield career and many lifelong friendships began. He owned and operated Stockton Transports Inc. until June 19, 2022, when he retired. Meanwhile, the two owned and ran thoroughbreds in and out of state raised on their farm. This became one of his many passions, as he could never watch a horse run without tears in his eyes. Bill had the biggest heart. He helped anyone in need without ever asking for anything in return.
His greatest joys in life were his horses, dogs, and cattle, but above all else he LOVED his family!
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Shery England, and daughter, Karen Ashcraft.
He is survived by his wife Carole, two daughters, Sonya Ylla and husband Nicholas of Edmond, OK and Nancy Niles and husband Sid of Hillsdale, OK, and son, Alan Pearce and wife Terrie of Yukon, OK. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Tracy Mann, Blake Ashcraft, Chris Pearce, Ciera Mitchell, Reed Stockton, Berkley Ylla, Calvin Ylla, Bethany Niles, and Billy Grant Niles, six great-grandchildren and his four-legged partner Buddy.
Flowers can be sent to the first United Methodist Church, Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home, or donations can be made out to JDRF or the American Cancer Society.