Carl "Bill" Eugene Rupe's Obituary
Carl Eugene “Bill” Rupe was born September 16. 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Lee Roy Rupe and Velma Irene Rupe. Bill departed this life on December 16, 2023 at the age of 90. Bill was the 3rd of 8 children. He lived his life in Tulsa, Oklahoma and went to Will Rogers High School. Bill joined the Navy at 18 and proudly served his country during the Korean War on aircraft carrier The Badoeng Strait. Following his time at sea, he served in the reserves for 5 years.
Bill met the love of his life, Wanda Lea Wiseley through a blind date set up by friends. Bill married Wanda on June 29th, 1957. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year. They had one child, Terry Duane.
Bill was always happy under the hood of a car. He went to work for Bill Beard Auto Parts and Salvage for several years. Following his time in auto salvage, Bill went to work for American Airlines with a career spanning 25 years before retiring from the Fleet Service Division. His time at American led to many friendships and wonderful travel opportunities.
Playing catch with Terry as a toddler led to hundreds of baseball games over the years as a Pee Wee Coach, spectator, and a “pacing the fence” dad.
Upon retirement, Bill’s favorite “job” was that of “PAPA BILL” to Ryan and Aubrey. He was there with camera in hand from the day they were born documenting summer fun in the pool, holidays, birthdays, sporting activities and memories made with trips around the country in their travel van. Bill and Wanda were members of Yale Avenue Christian Church for 25 years. They moved to Owasso, OK, and spent the next 20 years forging new friendships with friends that became family. Bill was that neighbor everyone could count on to lend a hand, a tool, a laugh and always a big smile. He was an avid golfer in retirement and even posted a “Hole-in-One” at Bailey Ranch.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Roy and Velma Rupe, and three brothers Bob Rupe, Lee Rupe and Jimmy Rupe. Two Sisters, Nadine Rupe and Donna Frunk.
Bill is survived by his wife Wanda Lea (Wiseley) Rupe, in Broken Arrow, Ok. Son Terry Rupe and wife Becky, Broken Arrow, Ok. Brothers John Rupe, Skiatook, OK. Larry Rupe, Grove, Ok. Sister-In-Law Wilma “Junie” Nunley, Broken Arrow, OK. Grandchildren Ryan Rupe, Broken Arrow, Ok. Aubrey Landon and husband Trea , Nashville, TN. Two Great Grandchildren Roman Rupe and Aspen Rupe, Broken Arrow, Ok along with extended family and friends.
The visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, December 19th, at Floral Haven Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be at 12:30 PM, Wednesday, December 20th, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
To watch Bill's funeral service you may click the link https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/95766
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