I feel like a practically grew up at Lady Classen since my family ate there several times a week.  I even had my wedding rehearsal dinner there.  Mr. Geist  was always so pleasant and friendly.  I can still remember his voice after all these years and his laugh.  My deepest condolences are with your family.  I know you must have so many happy memories to cherish!

I worked a short time for Mr. Geist at the cafeteria, in the early 1970's, while attending college. He and his wife were always very kind, gentle, "good," honest, caring people. He was always as concerned for his customers as he was for his employees; and indeed, I believe many felt a member of a large family.  
My condolences to Mr. Geist's family, for such a great loss. May your faith and memories sustain you during this time


My husband , John became roommates in the Phi Sig house in 1946 when they returned from WWII. They became great friends. I was a good friend of Shirley’ s at North High and Wichita State so when Bill  married Shirley  we remained lifelong friends. There is one less member of the Great Generation with Bill’s death.


Our family has been doubly blessed by the legacy of Bill Geist.  Our family ate at Lady Classen often as it was one of  my grandparents favorites.  I always got the  chocolate pudding with a little whipped cream and chocolate chip on top served in a sweet glass dish.  Now I get to work with his grandson Nick and watch his great grandchildren grow up.  Grateful I got to hang out with him in 2017 for the 4th of July - he’s a true patriot and was one of the “good guys” - 🇺🇸

I have many special memories growing up at Lady Classen. We looked forward to and enjoyed delicious lunches and dinners at Lady Classen. Mr. Geist often poured coffee or he was the cashier. Bill and Shirley took great pride in their cafeteria. Lady Classen was elegant and charming.  I’m happy that I have Lady Classen cookbook signed by Mr. Geist. I remember being so excited when I was finally tall enough to see over the brick wall. 
My sincere condolences to the Geist family and thanks for the memories! 

Jan Turnbull

My mother, Frances Woodward, ate dinner almost every night at Lady Classen Cafeteria after my father died. Bill would always fill Mom's coffee cup, greeting her by name, and Shirley would of course check her out at the end of the line, ringing the bell for someone to help with Mom's tray.  Over the years from the late 50's to 1971 our family regularly ate at Lady Classen Cafeteria.  The food was the best, but more important was the kindness Bill and Shirley had for their customers which emanated down though all their employees. But when I got to know Bill later in life, the warm friendly care was not business to consumer, but it was because Bill was a genuine, from-the-heart, sincere person. Thank you Bill for making Mom feel at home for so many years.

I grew up eating  at Lady Classen Cafeteria.  The beef tips were my favorite along with Boston Baked Pie.  During the 60’s and 70’s my then mother in law, Eugenie (Geannie) worked there.  I never heard a bad word about Mr. Geist and he did everything he could for her.
I’m sure he’ll be missed by all.
Blessings, Gerald Smith

Fair winds and following seas sailor.
"Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..."

Thank you William for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy Submarine Service, WWII.


Condolences to the family. It was such a privilege to grow up across the street from Bill and Shirley.   We had a wonderful neighborhood and the Giests were a big part of it. I also worked at the cafeteria in high school as I think most of the neighborhood teens did. My condolences to Connie, Tom, John, Carol, and the entire family. 

My family lived east of May Ave. across from Lady Classen. When the cafeteria closed it really affected my mom. I went to Burbank with Tom. R.I.P.  Bill

I worked at Lady Classen cafeteria the summer after high school in 1963 and returned the next two summers between school terms at OU, waiting tables and wearing that pink uniform. Bill was the manager and one of my fondest memories in my working lengthy career.  His humor, hard-working mentality, and kindness made him a favorite with everyone who worked there, It was my first introduction to the "team" concept of running a company; we were part of his team and he treated everyone with respect.  But most of all, I remember his smile: warm, endearing, and sincere.  Even after 58 years I still remember it. My condolences to his family; you and the world have lost a wonderful person.

As a young child, I most enjoyed the days when Dad would be wearing his blue jeans, with the cuffs rolled up, along with a terry cloth t-shirt. It meant that he had a day off from work, and we were going to get to play with him.

My parents, sister and I moved to Oklahoma City in about 1956 when I was 8 years old.  We lived on NW 66 and I went to Luther Burbank elementary school.   4 years later we moved to Kentucky.   When we first moved to OKC we ate many meals at Lady Classen cafeteria.  I well remember the nice atmosphere and the good food.  It was a real treat to eat there.  While I never knew Mr Geist, I’m sure these wonderful memories are because of his his  fine management of the restaurant.  Thank you Mr. Geist and family.  You are in my memories and prayers.  Peggy Wells Ellis, Danville, Kentucky 



sending our heartfelt condolences to Cindy and the Geist Family
to let you know that you‘re thought of with friendship and caring
praying for peace

Bob and Katrin Puckett

I was only fortunate to have had the pleasure of spending a few short days with Bill while in Oklahoma City watching my son play college baseball. Bill was such a fine person and had a wonderful sense of humor. Working with Bill's son, Tom, was one of my career highlights. Tom was very much like his Dad. Although my time was short with Bill, I will always cherish the memories we shared together.

Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation student scholarship fund 

Oklahoma restaurant employee relief.

Private Family Memorial Service

Bill is survived by his sister Eleanor Kinkaid of Wichita, Kansas, children Connie (Fred) Fehr, Tom (Melanie) Geist, John (Yvonne) Geist, (Cindy) Geist, and Carol (Tim) Shanahan, grandchildren Casey, Nicholas, Danny, Charla, Justin, Mariah, Gregory, Nikki, Bryan, Suzanne, Candace, and Michael, as well as twenty-five great grandchildren. Bill is also survived by nieces and nephews Bob Geist, Carolyn Coulter, Margie Tilma, Tom Kinkaid, Susan Williams, Marcia Smola, Gary Fisher, Bryan Fisher, Charles Fisher, Dan Fisher, and Jeff Fisher.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

William (Bill) Wallace Geist

7 mai 1925 – 6 février 2021

Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors

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