William Scholes' Obituary
William (Bill) Wesley Scholes, Jr., born December 30, 1929 in Granby, Missouri, died peacefully surrounded by his children on January 19, 2019.After graduating from high school in Granby, he began his college education at the Rolla School of Mines in Missouri. In 1953 he enlisted in the Air Force to serve his country during the Korean War where he achieved the rank of Airman 1st Class Weapons Specialist. He was stationed at the Barksdale Base in Bossier City, Louisiana where he served as a Nuclear Technician. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and then pursued his education at the University of Arkansas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1956.Bill worked for several oil and gas companies in Oklahoma, Texas, and Canada. He was brilliant with math and technology which enabled him to develop a computer-based compressor program for gas plants which saved workers countless hours in the field. After retiring early, Bill and his wife of 44 years, Ruth Brooks Scholes, enjoyed their home on Grand Lake in Grove, Oklahoma and then a home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where Bill became the handyman for the cul-de-sac. Bill loved working on computers and he and Ruth enjoyed traveling in their RV, working crossword puzzles, reading, and playing games with their friends. Bill was also gifted in woodworking and the homes of his children house beautiful pieces crafted by their father.Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irma Scholes of Granby, Missouri, his sister, Mary Susan Ellrich, and his wife, Ruth Brooks Scholes.Bill is survived by his children Lisa Scholes Marsellis (Lyle) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Peggy Scholes Nikkel (Lynn) of Collinsville, Oklahoma, David Scholes (Cathy) of London, Arkansas, and their mother, Treva Scholes Mincieli. He is also survived by his step-daughter, Debra Richardson Conley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at Floral Haven located at 6500 S 129th E Ave A, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on January 26, 2019 at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa.
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