Billy Burkhalter

Billy 'Wild Bill' Burkhalter, 76, of Dumas, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Temple Baptist Church with Grady Burkhalter, Billy's son, officiating. Pastor Chris Fobbs, minister of Temple Baptist Church, will be assisting. Cremation will follow the service. The family will receive friends from 6 o'clock until 7 o'clock in the evening on Tuesday at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. Billy was born on July 1, 1941 in Woodward, OK to David William 'D.W.' and Ruby (Oetinger) Burkhalter. Billy served his country for 18 months in the United States Navy. He then married Leoda Keith on June 9, 1961 in Hardesty, OK. The couple would later move to Dumas in 1969 where they would raise their children and make their home. Billy worked as a mechanic for 18 years for Owens Ford and later worked for Dickey Trucking for an additional 18 years. Billy had many hobbies which included fishing and riding his motorcycle. He was also very involved in the Boys Scouts of America Troop 199 in Dumas, where he volunteered countless hours and even served as the Scoutmaster. Billy was a member of the Eagles Lodge, where he served as past president and was also a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Dumas. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister: Monee Grubb; son: Scott Burkhalter; and a grandson: Jax Burkhalter. Billy is survived by his wife, Leoda, of the home; daughters: Gwyn King and husband George, Kathy Baldwin and husband Mike, all of Dumas; son: Grady Burkhalter and wife Leslie of Dumas; grandchildren: Kendra, Crista, Amber, Scotti, Chase, Brady, Michael, Stratton, Gracie and Addison; and 12 great grandchildren.