William (Bill) Reichert

William (Bill) Lee Reichert, a 60-year Ponca City resident, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away Tuesday, April 6th at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was 86.

Bill was born on August 5, 1934 in Topeka, Kansas to Carroll and Maurita Reichert. Bill attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas on a track scholarship. In 1956, he graduated with a degree in Mathematics and married Mary Lou the same year. He was active in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, remained involved in ROTC program, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. upon graduation. He entered the Air Force in 1957 and was assigned to Offett Air Force Base where he did pilot briefings for take-off and landing weather. In 1959, he was trained to use mainframe computers to predict high level wind forecasts, world-wide, in support of SAC Headquarters. Discharged from the Air Force in 1961, Bill went to work for Continental Oil Company as a computer analyst and he and Mary Lou moved their family to Ponca City. Bill retired in 1990 after 29 years as Director of Software Support.

After Bill's retirement from Conoco in 1990, you could find him on the golf course several times per week or fishing for crappie at Sooner Lake. He enjoyed having a beer with the boys at one of the local establishments. Bill particularly enjoyed mentoring and helping people and was looked upon by many as a humble man with a quick wit and good advice. He was also known for his willingness to help anyone in the community with their computer needs and projects. Bill and Mary Lou treasured their many friends and the 60+ years they spent in Ponca City.

Survivors include son Steven & wife Sherry of Montgomery Texas; daughter Stacey Magee & husband Bruce of Stillwater Oklahoma, son Scott of Louisville Colorado, and son Stanton and wife Lisa of Edmond Oklahoma. Bill and Mary Lou have four grandchildren, Kyle, Karli, Blake and Braden, and one great grandson Hayes. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert, wife Mary Lou & granddaughter Abby.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. A visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, April 15th from 4p-7p at Grace Memorial Chapel in Ponca City for those who want to pay their respects to Bill and his family. Burial will be at a private family ceremony at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City on Friday, April 16th.

In lieu of flowers, please donate at a local blood bank, or donate funds to the Oklahoma Blood Institute (www.obi.org), 901 N. Lincoln Blvd, OKC, OK 73104.