William Maurice Ardies

William Maurice Ardies, known to many as "Bill" and to family and childhood friends as "Maury," passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, at the age of 92. Born on December 18, 1931, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Suzanne and Norval Ardies. Bill was the second of four children, all of whom preceded him in death: Calvin, Jody, and Marian. He was raised in the small border town of Pembina, ND, where his adventurous spirit and lifelong love of flying took root at the age of 14, when he began crop-dusting for local farmers.

At 18, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, attending Signal School and serving honorably during the Korean War. His service also took him to France before his discharge in 1953. After returning home, fate intervened when he fell in love with his sister’s co-worker, Arloe Brandt of Cavalier, ND. The two were married on June 18, 1955, and embarked on a remarkable life together for the next 69 years.

In search of a brighter future for his family, Bill moved Arloe and his new baby daughter, Diane, to Danville, IN, in 1959 to pursue a career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an air traffic controller in Indianapolis. There, they welcomed their second child, David. Always the entrepreneur, Bill tried his hand at business, co-founding a concrete incinerator company. In 1966, he accepted a new role with the FAA as a pilot, a position that took him and his family to Battle Creek, MI, and eventually across the world.

Bill’s FAA career was filled with adventures. He served as a pilot for the Department of Defense, inspecting airports throughout Asia while stationed in Japan from 1970 to 1974. He flew missions across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Hawaii, always returning home with vivid stories from his travels. In 1977, Bill moved the family to Oklahoma City, becoming Head of the Flight Inspection Division for the FAA. Bill was instrumental in transferring the FAA fleet to the U.S. Marshal Service, helping to establish what would later be known by many as "Con Air." The big-name prisoners he transferred is still as much of a secret as the flights he went on to pick up the infamous criminals.

After retiring from federal service in 1992, Bill continued flying, working with Fleming Foods and American Jet Charter, transporting corporate executives and charter guests nationwide. Incredibly, he maintained his pilot’s license and passed his physical exams until the age of 89, a testament to his dedication to the skies.

While Bill had an illustrious career, his greatest joy was his family. A devoted husband to Arloe, he cherished their life together, along with their children: Diane (Larry) Burch of Edmond, OK, and David (Shari) Ardies of Newcastle, OK. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Grayson (Kelsey) Ardies, Bailey Ardies, Blake (Madison) Riojas, and Katie (Steed) Tyler, great-grandfather to four with one more on the way, as well as 8 nieces and 7 nephews. His family brought him endless joy, and he relished every moment spent together.

Outside of work and family, Bill had a special bond with his beloved Paint horse, "ImaTimber2." Standing at 16 hands, the majestic horse was his companion for countless trail rides through New Mexico, Montana, Colorado, and Arkansas. His fondest memories were riding with the U.S. Marshal’s Posse, traveling with his family to parades around the state. His favorite was being in the Edmond’s July 4th parade, an event his grandchildren eagerly awaited each year. After retirement, Bill dedicated several years of service to the organizations Wiz Kids and Stephen Ministries Grandthrough All Souls' Episcopal Church.

Bill’s life was one of service, adventure, and unwavering love. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, humility, and devotion. His kindness, sense of humor, and steadfast faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Services will be held at 11am on September 20, 2024, at All Souls' Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Souls Episcopal Church.