VEATCH, William N., passed away Monday, January 5, 2015 in Tulsa, OK. He lived a full life of 88 years. William Veatch, better known as "Bill," was born in Waco, TX on November 1, 1926, to Rev. W. T. and Bessie Veatch. From education and work, to marriage and family, to biking and volunteering; he led a joyful and busy life.
Upon high school graduation in Minco, Oklahoma, Bill joined the Navy. After serving one tour, he went to Oklahoma University where he graduated in 1950 earning a degree in accounting. He remained a loyal OU fan for the rest of his life.
After college, Bill began his career with Amoco as a Systems Analyst in Oklahoma City.
While working in Caspar, Wyoming Bill met his future wife, Rosalie, at a church picnic. They married in 1957 and had two daughters, Martha Ann and Mary Beth.
When Bill retired from his 37 years of work, he continued to be active. He volunteered
in a library project teaching adults to read. He was also a substitute teacher in Special Education classes. He worked with children for many years at the Sand Springs Children's home. He took to bike riding, and completed thirteen Free Wheels and three Tulsa Runs.
Through the years, he and his wife have enjoyed movies, OU football, travel, and church
activities. Through his love of Oklahoma, Rosalie and Bill visited and learned about the state in their travels. They did some enjoyable bus trips later in life, and even spent a dazzling week in Paris.
When Bill's cycling slowed down, he began to use his skills to repair bikes with the
intention to give to those in need. This turned out to be a real ministry. He donated his
refurbished bikes to the Tulsa Boys' Home, the Emergency Shelter, Sand Springs Children's
Home, and the Methodist Boys Ranch. He loved taking the boys out on rides. Hundreds have
benefited from his work.
Bill was also a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and part of the Friendship
Sunday School class for 50 years.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, daughters, Martha Ann Anderson
(Dwight) of Moscow Idaho and Mary Beth Stasey (Kent) of Aledo, TX. He is also survived by six grandchildren. They are Daniel, Patrick, Carolyn and Rachel from the Anderson family in addition to Tanner and Samantha from the Stasey family. Also, his sister, Mary Virginia Penuel, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends continue to live in his stead. Preceding him in death are his parents and brother, Granville Eugene Veatch.
Viewing will be 10AM-8PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Moore's Southlawn. Memorial Service will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Asbury United Methodist Church-Mason Chapel.
Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com