I first met Bill in June of 1966.  I was his second child.  I'll always be grateful for the many ways he took care of me.  From showing me off at Edgar's Grill, buying me a very impractical gift of ducks for my 7th birthday, letting me ride his motorcycle (briefly, since I forgot how the brakes worked), joining me in my interest in bird watching, walking me down the aisle and holding me up so I didn't faint on the spot and so, so much more.  

I loved his stories from his childhood, and the many stories he told me as an adult too.  One of the last stories he told me that really stuck with me was a story about three deers.

He had a  bit of a woods behind his house, and one day about 5 years ago two does and a buck came running through chased by a pack of dogs.  He watched as they got further off and the does jumped a six foot fence, the buck jumped last (protecting the does) but his foot got caught in the top of the fence.  

My Dad had a soft spot for animals, so he ran up to where the buck was in the fence and chased the dogs away.  He couldn't get the buck out, so he went back home and got some wire cutters.  He went back and cut the buck's foot loose from the fence, and the buck ran on.  

I remember when Dad told me this I scolded him for putting himself in danger, but also smiled because it was just the kind of thing I'd have done and gotten scolded for.  He had a kind heart and loved animals, and we always connected on that point.  In this little thing there were the earmarks of what I loved about my Dad: kindness, a love of animals, ingenuity and tenacity, bravery and a bit of recklessness.  

Thanks for all the love, care and stories Dad, I will miss you like no one else.

I first met Bill in 1962? right after he was discharged form the Army. He came to work at the CDO in spencer stillwearing his combat boots. He was a good worker, was fun to work with and as Gallemore said he has a special laugh that was very contagious. He told many humorous stories but my favorite was about when he was growing up and drove a pickup delivering groceries for his father's store in Spencer. It seems he was delivering the groceries for several black gentlemen who were riding in the back of the truck with the groceries with the tail gate open. A big barking dog chased closely after the truck. Bill slammed on the brakes, the dog couldn't stop so he had to jump up in the back of truck emptying it immediately of all the passengers.
So long Bill. See you on the other side.
Ted

I met Bill Oldham 1966. We worked together in Sallisaw, Okla for Western Electric as Telephone Equipment Installers. He was a real hoot. We both rented a room in this old ladies home and shared the expenses. I had also been in the Navy and we both shared many of our Navy stories. While in Sallisaw, we would go out at night to the local bars to sip a few. We would do this quiet often and I remember telling him that "this was getting just like when I was in the Navy" and needed to slow down. We had a great time while there and I will remember all the crazy things we did. I worked many other jobs with Bill as an installer and truly enjoyed his special laugh. He was a very special friend. Thanks for his life. Dick Gallemore

OBITUARY

William Donald Oldham

2 July, 1937 – 21 April, 2011

Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services