William "Bill" Cumings Bequette was born on March 25th, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Marian (Cumings) Bequette. He passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nola Ruth "Judee" (Bartlett) Bequette of Tulsa; brother Bruce Bequette and wife Nancy of Traverse City, Michigan; son David V. Bequette Sr. and wife Lisa, of Tulsa; daughter Kai Hammontree and husband Phil, of Tulsa.

As a loving grandfather, he leaves a legacy for his many grandchildren; Jennifer Hammontree of Tulsa; Mickeal and Stephanie Hammontree of Edmond; Tony and Lauren Hammontree of Broken Arrow; Drew and Brittney Chancey of Broken Arrow; David V. Bequette Jr. of New York City, New York. Bill was blessed with a number of great-grandchildren including; Londee, Frankie, Shepherd, Foster, John, Peter, Gabriel, and Elijah. Bill also had many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents John and Marian Bequette and sister Doris (Bequette) Massey.

Bill Bequette lived a remarkable life in service to God and his neighbor. The greatest blessing in his life was his 70-year marriage to his beloved wife, Judee. Together, they have been an example to so many of the love and joy found in a marriage rooted in Christ. Bill had an immeasurable and unconditional love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will always love and cherish their "Papa."

As an Elder in the Church of Christ for more than 40 years, Bill felt a strong calling to serve his Lord and Savior. For many years, he read the scriptures daily and sought to live the words of Christ by caring for and visiting the sick, the widows, and those in need. He was a humble spirited man who gave generously of his time, talents, and treasure. As someone known to have never met a stranger, Bill could carry-on a heartfelt conversation with anyone and his genuine care was demonstrated through his offering of prayer, a hearty laugh, or gentle hand on your shoulder.

Bill lived with a unique fervor for life. He volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Ft. Worth during the Korean war. Upon completing his service, Bill attended the University of Texas and graduated with honors, earning a degree in finance. He later became a Certified Financial Analysis and once served as President of the Oklahoma Society of Financial Analysts. Bill joined the National Bank of Tulsa, later Bank of Oklahoma, in 1963 and had a long fulfilling career with the bank.

After retiring in his 70s, Bill continued to be involved in church ministry and annual family trips to Michigan. He loved spending time at the Bequette family cottage on Rennie Lake, visiting Leland, Petoskey and Mackinac Island, and walking along the Boardman River. He was a dedicated runner and participated in the Tulsa Run for many years and continued going on daily walks with his faithful canine companions Maggie, and later Lee, into his 90s.

Bill will always be remember as a man of great faith and faithfulness. His family will remember and cherish the love he showed us. May God grant him rest and a dwelling place in His Kingdom for all eternity.

There will be a visitation from 6-8pm on Tuesday March 26th at Moore Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E 51st St., Tulsa, OK.

Funeral Services will be held at 10am Wednesday March 27th at The Park Church of Christ, 10600 E 96th St S, Tulsa, OK.

Moore Southlawn Funeral Home 918-663-2233