William S. Atherton passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Myers, Florida on February 25th. He was 92 years old.

Bill was born on April 12, 1933, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He graduated from high school in Joplin, Missouri in 1951 and, through determination, hard work and as he would say "a little luck!", put himself through Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1954.

Upon graduation, Bill began his career with Core Laboratories, Inc., working along the Texas Gulf Coast and in South America. Having been in the ROTC at Joplin High and Oklahoma A&M, he later fulfilled his commitment and served as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rising to the rank of second lieutenant. From 1960 to 1964, he operated his own petroleum reservoir engineering company in Trinidad, West Indies - an early reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his life.

Upon returning to the States in 1964, Bill co-founded A&M Food Services, Inc., as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, with his long-time business partner and best friend of 62 years, Pat Murphy of Bartlesville, OK. Under their leadership, the company grew to become the largest Pizza Hut franchise in the United States before merging into PepsiCo, Inc. in 1986. He was also the founder of Taco Hut, Inc., serving as Chairman and CEO until its sale in 1983. He would go on to participate in many other business ventures including banking, real estate, team rodeo, manufacturing, hotels and yes, more restaurants... over 300 in total!

In 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Delores Ann Hinkle. Together they built a life centered on family and raised two sons and one daughter. He loved his family deeply and treasured the times when they could all be together. He always considered his family as his greatest accomplishment.

As the son of parents who endured the Great Depression and Oklahoma Dust Bowl of the 1930's, Bill learned firsthand the values of perseverance, hard work, entrepreneurship, and the importance of cultivating lasting relationships. He took great joy in mentoring others, sharing his wisdom, and creating opportunities for those around him. He always treated everyone he met with kindness, a big smile, a firm handshake, a sparkle in his blue eyes, and with an interesting story to tell.

Though most of his companies were based in Tulsa, Oklahoma - where he raised his family - Bill cherished his home in Fort Myers, Florida and he and Ann spent as much time there as possible. He had many passions, including fishing, bird hunting, ranching, aviation, and traveling with family and friends. Bill loved the American West and was a devoted supporter of Western heritage. He was an avid collector of Western, Southwest and wildlife art and built lifelong friendships with many of the artists whose works he acquired. Joined by their good friend, L.D. Brinkman, Bill and Pat helped co-found the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, TX in 1983.

Throughout his life, Bill proudly served on numerous boards and member organizations, including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Hillsdale College, Oklahoma State University, Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, American Quarter Horse Association, Gilcrease Museum, HUTCO Insurance Co., Skippers, Inc., ADDvantage Media Group, Inc., and Wall Street Deli, Inc.

Bill's philanthropic legacy continues through The W.S. and Ann Atherton Foundation, established in 1998, which supports a broad range of conservative causes that were important to him and continue to be for his family. Bill's life was so rich with wonderful experiences and stories that in 2021, at the urging of family and friends, he self-published a book chronicling his life's journey, "From the Oil Patch to Pizza" preserving his stories for those closest to him and generations to come. Bill's life story is also available on the Voices of Oklahoma podcast.

Bill was preceded in death by his adopted father, Jess William Atherton and his mother, Frances (Conine) Atherton; and his sister, Lynn Bloxham of Barrington, IL.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Delores Ann Atherton; his adopted son Dirk Atherton (Tracey), his son Tom Atherton (Stefanie), and his daughter Jessica Faubert (Phil); six grandchildren: Jennifer Fajardo (Jonathan), Jillian Layden (Andy), Marie Faubert, Ryan Faubert, Jack Atherton, and Josie Atherton; and four great-grandchildren; Elena and Cecelia Fajardo, and Audrey and Adelaide Layden. And his sister Patty Turner (John) of Ft. Myers.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers who attended to Bill during the last three years of his amazing life. We are especially thankful to Ron Jenkins, who as dad's wonderful, loyal friend, went above and beyond ensuring Bill's comfort and needs were met.

A reception will be held at the Ft. Myers family residence on Tuesday, March 3rd , for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to one of Bill's favorite charities: The Folds of Honor Foundation.

Bill Atherton's life was defined by hard work, vision, integrity, generosity, and devotion to family and friends. His legacy lives on not only in the businesses he built, but in the lives he influenced, the relationships he nurtured, and the family he loved so dearly. He will be forever missed and loved!