Billy Don Elston

If you were to ask a group of people to describe Billy Elston, most would use words like kind, sweet and even wonderful. Those of us that knew him well would say he was frugal but generous. Stern yet easy going. A man who enjoyed being with his kids, but didn’t play about running in the house. A builder, mechanic, airman, traveler, listener, loving father and husband, a comic, book keeper, and friend. He was all those things and more. Billy Don Elston, 74 years old, of Bartlesville, OK passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of his home on 02/20/2022. Billy was born to Fred and Reba Elston on 12/03/1947 in Pawnee, OK where he attended public schools as the 2nd oldest of four children, Jodi, Larry and Fred. As a youth, he participated in many sports’ baseball being one of his favorites. He and his brothers and sister were known around town as exceptional athletes. After high school, he furthered his education by obtaining his college degree at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. He began dating Patricia Green, a quiet book worm and oldest child. Soon after, he joined the Air Force on August 24, 1967. Billy and Patricia would fall in love and marry on October 21, 1967, and from this union welcomed three daughters Sonya, Shelly and Starla. Billy was a dedicated husband and father who was determined to provide the best life he could for his family. He enjoyed working for Conoco, and was an exemplary employee for over 21 years until he went on medical retirement. Even after retirement, Billy remained a punctual person priding himself on always being on time, and on time meaning 15 minutes early. After retirement, he enjoyed garage sales, sports of any kind especially the Pittsburg Steelers, movies, oatmeal raisin cookies, traveling, concerts and the casino. He loved cars and trucks and was so excited when it was time to trade up. When he saw friends and former coworkers around town, they were so happy to run into him and he would greet them with a big smile, laugh and a firm handshake. While home he enjoyed watching westerns and the popular show Cops. You could hear his laughter feel the entire house. Billy loved his family he was close to his baby sister and brother. He would try to visit Pawnee and Arkansas City when he could and enjoyed their phone calls. He was unendingly proud of his girl’s and granddaughters always trying to support his family when he could. Billy would keep pictures of his mother, brothers, sister and daughters all around the house. He was loved and showed his love to everyone. Billy was predeceased by (father and mother) Fred and Reba Elston, (former wife) Patricia Elston, (daughter) Sonya Blake, (son) Billy Elston Jr., (brother) Fred Elston, (Granddaughter) Anaya McComb . He is survived by (Daughter) Starla and Jerry Kennard, (daughter) Shelly and DeAndre Shelton, (brother) Larry Elston (nephews) Lamar and Phillip Elston, (sister) Jodi Abington (niece) Jaleesa and David Carothers, (granddaughters) Shaleeka Roberts and Clori Kennard, and a host of other family members and friends.