William "Bill" Means Neilson

Bill was born in Oklahoma City to Philip C. Neilson and Joanna Burns Neilson on June 21, 1950. Following his graduation from John Marshall High School in 1968, he attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. While at OU, he spent four years in Army ROTC, and later served as a Captain in the Army, as well as two tours in the US Army Reserves.

He married Yvonne Roller on February 22, 1975. In addition to their two children, they raised many pets, including their three current dogs Ginger, Sasha and Jasmine, who he loved very much. Together they made their home in Oklahoma City and later Edmond, where Bill worked as a Certified Public Accountant for Haskin & Sells and Garlik Sales and Service, in addition to being self employed in the latter part of his career. He was a member of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants for many years.

Bill was fiercely intelligent, passionate about reading and collecting books, with a goal towards lifelong learning. He was innately curious about the world, reading about science (especially physics), philosophy, religion and politics, and could frequently be found with a calculus book, pad of paper and double sided mechanical pencil, just to brush up. He also enjoyed logic puzzles and would spend time playing sudoku and listening to music. His love of classical music was unparalleled, and it was hard to find a song he had never heard, especially if the Boston Pops had ever performed it.

A connoisseur of the absurd, he could always find humor in a situation, whether anyone had asked him to or not. At his best, he was kind and generous of spirit, extending help when he could. While pursuing his other favorite hobbies, thrifting and bargain shopping, he would often attentively select items to gift to his family. He usually had a few copies of his favorite books or CDs that he found at used book stores or garage sales, which he would give away to people if he found out they were interested.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister Victoria (“Vicki”) Baker. He is survived by his wife Yvonne, their daughters Michelle Neilson and Katie Kamphaus, and her husband Benjamin Kamphaus, and two grandchildren, Oliver and Samuel Kamphaus.

A graveside service for Bill will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 North Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Neilson family.