Bill Weyman Byrne's Obituary
Bill W. Byrne
Tulsa, Oklahoma (November 1929 – January 2026)
Bill W. Byrne, a venerable figure in the American petroleum and propane industries whose leadership helped shape modern gas liquids marketing and industry cooperation, died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in January 2026. He was 96.
Born in November 1929, Mr. Byrne embarked on a distinguished energy career after serving in the United States Navy and completing his education, earning a BS in Business from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from Stanford . In 1951, he joined Warren Petroleum Company in Tulsa, beginning a more than four-decade tenure during which he advanced through sales and marketing roles to become VP of Marketing, as well as VP of Marketing for Chevron. He earned wide respect for his command of gas liquids supply, transportation logistics, and market fundamentals, as well as for his principled, steady leadership.
Throughout his career, Mr. Byrne was a thoughtful and influential voice within the propane industry. He served as president of the National LP-Gas Association in 1986–87 and received the NPGA’s Bill Hill Award in 1992 for significant contributions to public affairs at the national, state, and local levels. Colleagues consistently noted his ability to listen, build consensus, and guide the industry through complex regulatory and supply challenges, particularly during periods of volatility in the 1970s and 1980s.
His influence extended well beyond his corporate responsibilities. Mr. Byrne played an important role in early efforts that helped lead to the creation of what became the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), a landmark initiative focused on safety, research, and workforce training. After retiring from Warren Petroleum in 1992, he remained active and founded Byrne & Associates, LLC, and Heritage Propane. Additionally, he served on the boards of several energy companies, including pipeline giant, Energy Transfer Partners where his judgment and experience were highly valued.
In addition to his industry leadership, Bill was deeply committed to philanthropy and civic service in Tulsa. He served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, including the Tulsa YMCA and the Tulsa Mental Health Association, lending thoughtful governance and steadfast support to organizations focused on youth development, health, and community well-being. He was also a past president of the Tulsa Petroleum Club, reflecting his belief in strengthening connections between business leadership and civic responsibility. Friends and colleagues recall that his community involvement was marked by quiet generosity, careful stewardship, and a sincere desire to give back to the city that had given him so much.
In 2016, Bill was inducted into the LP Gas Hall of Fame, recognizing his enduring contributions to the propane industry, his leadership within national associations, and his role in fostering collaboration across the energy sector. Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, Bill was known as a devoted family man and a trusted counselor to many. He valued integrity, loyalty, and personal responsibility, and those principles guided every aspect of his life. His legacy lives on in the industry he helped steward, the organizations he strengthened, and the many individuals who benefited from his mentorship and example.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary
He is survived by his son Alan Byrne, daughter Angna Byrne, grandson Logan McKnight and granddaughter, Holly McKnight . The family requests that honor his memory and the lasting impact of his life.
The family requests memorials be made Tulsa Mental Health Association to in Bill’s name.
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