William Walter Barckholtz

Pauls Valley, Oklahoma — William (Bill) Walter Barckholtz, 68, of Pauls Valley, Okla., died January 30, 2012 at Pauls Valley General Hospital.

The second of three boys, Bill was born on November 20, 1943, in Saginaw, MI., the son of Dorothy and Norman Barckholtz.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1961 and served three years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving with distinction until his retirement in 1982. Bill is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned medals for Valor and Gallantry. After his military service, he held various positions within the insurance, trucking and care giving professions.

Throughout his life, Bill gave of his time freely to coaching and refereeing youth athletics. His other passion was auto racing.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Janis (Richardson) of Pauls Valley, Okla.; son and daughter-in-law, David and Paula Barckholtz of Union, KY; son Robert Barckholtz of Denver, Colo.; daughter Vanessa Durham of Pauls Valley, Okla.; and five grandchildren: Brynn, Brayden, Rachel, Bryson and Taylor.

Mr. Barckholtz was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy, father Norman, and brothers Arthur and Thomas.

A service will be Friday, February 3, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Wooster Funeral Home Chapel, Pauls Valley, Okla. Interment will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Pauls Valley, Okla.

Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.woosterfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers donations are welcome to a charity of your choice.