Billy Lehew of Midland, Texas, passed away on October 14th, 2021.
If you remember Billy by the tracks he made here in western Oklahoma, or possibly the boot prints he left in the west Texas dust, one thing is for certain. Anyone that knew him wasn’t about to forget him. He had a smooth way of making people feel like they were old friends.
Billy was born on January 21st, 1963, the son of Tom and Polly Lehew. He grew up in Sweetwater, OK and later moved to Clinton, OK where he lived most of his life. As a kid, Billy’s mom would take him to the local dance hall and he’d ask every lady to dance. This is where he found his love for dancing and became quite the showman.
Billy was educated in Sweetwater High School where he developed his charming and witty attitude. Billy suffered the loss of his parents at a young age, but was able to rely on his six siblings to help him develop into a great man. In his early years, Billy drove a cattle truck for his brother and could tell many stories of being on the road. After his time in a truck and a couple other odd jobs, Billy landed a job working on computers for drilling rigs with Pason Systems. While with Pason, Billy was able to travel throughout most of the United States including the bitter tundra of Alaska. He always picked up a Harley Davidson t-shirt wherever his travels brought him.
Billy married his first wife Brenda in 1986 and they had three children, Terry Clay, Billy Tate, and Katelee Kathryn. Billy and Tate share the same birthday, something Billy was always very proud of. Although, Tate was taken at a very young age of three months, Billy and Brenda enjoyed the little time they had with him. Many memories are of the family traveling and competing in rodeos.
The Lehews were one of the founding families for the Junior Rodeo Cowboys Association (JRCA). Billy served on the board of directors for several years, but also assumed the role of president for the JRCA.
As the kids were growing up, Billy was always eager to volunteer for any activities. He coached several of their athletic teams and left an impression on the young players. Billy was never shy when it came to talking about his kids and made sure everyone knew how proud he was.
One of Billy’s proudest moments was watching Clay become a loving husband and father to his two beautiful grandchildren, Daxton and Lynnox. He has also enjoyed seeing Clay start his own trucking business.
Billy always expressed how proud he was of Katelee for obtaining her Masters degree from Oklahoma State and moving away to start her own career. He was eager to answer a FaceTime call for any home repairs or carpentry she might find herself getting into.
Billy could “sell ice to an Eskimo” and that is one reason he found himself as a top salesman for Cudd Pressure Control.
Billy spent most of his career working in the oilfield. In fact, that is what brought him to Midland Texas, where he met and married Christi Calhoun-Lehew. The two enjoyed Harleys, horses and spent much of their time traveling to barrel races or ropings. Billy happily took on the role of camera man for several barrel racers at each event.
Billy is survived by his wife Christi of Midland, TX. His son Clay and wife Brandi of Albany, TX. Daughter Katelee of Beatrice, NE. Two grandchildren, Daxton and Lynnox. Two brothers, Bud and Marvin Harrell, and sister Ruth Pyeatt. His father-in-law Rayford Calhoun.
He is preceded in death by his parents Tom and Polly, his son Billy Tate, and two brothers Glenn and Fred Harrell, sister Virgina Callen, and mother in-law Dolly Calhoun.
A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Fellowship in Sayre, OK Friday, December 3rd at 10 am. The family looks forward to many stories shared by friends.