Bill Eslick

Billy Joe Eslick passed from this life on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 at the age of almost 91. He was born to George and Flora (Hodge) Eslick in Caddo, Okla. on Dec. 31, 1930.

Bill attended school in Caddo, Okla. and Shafter, Calif. He then went on to graduate from Harding University in Searcy, Ark. and to serve in the United States Air Force before starting his career with the State of California.

Bill married Donna Sue Waters on May 31, 1958 in Shafter, Calif. Following his retirement in August 1981, Bill and Donna moved from California back to Caddo.

Bill was a lifelong Christian and member of the Church of Christ. Even while still working full time, he would teach, preach, lead singing or do anything a congregation needed to further the Lord’s work. After his retirement, Bill preached for the Caney Church of Christ for more than 14 years. At different times, he also worked and worshipped with congregations in Durant, Atoka, and Caddo.

Bill was an avid reader. In addition to his bible, he enjoyed reading books on history, geography and medicine. Bill even loved to read encyclopedias. He was very proud to have earned a teacher’s certificate after graduating from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1983.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Royce Eslick and two grandchildren, Micah Holsonbake and Alyson Grace Perry.

Survivors include his wife, Donna, and son, Aaron of the home; son, Eric Eslick and Dawn Franks of Durant, Okla.; daughter, Cheryl Holsonbake and husband Lance of Weldon, Calif.; daughter, Carla Perry and husband Carl of Yukon, Okla.; sister, Janet Thomasy and husband Frank of Bakersfield, Calif.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at the Caddo Church of Christ in Caddo, Okla. with Bro. James Snyder officiating. A graveside service will follow at the Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo, Okla.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant, Okla.