Obituary of Billy Joe Vanarsdel

Billy Joe Vanarsdel

May 15, 1934 – July 13, 2024 (90 years old)

Resided in Sapulpa, OK

Passed at St. John’s Hospital, Tulsa, OK

Billy was born in Jenks, OK to parents Joesph Vanarsdel and Edna (Bell) Vanarsdel. He graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1953 where he was an outstanding track and football athlete and held the Sapulpa High long-jump record for more than 14 years. He married Marlene Ann (Benfield) Dec 4, 1953.  Professionally he worked for Rockwell International and then Boeing Aerospace where he was a mechanical tool engineer and worked on numerous aircraft designs and the Apollo space program.  He received commendations and several citations for his contribution to the Apollo Landing craft and Space Shuttle. He retired on Mar 30, 1991.

Bill was a member of the Sapulpa Elks Lodge. Bill loved Golf, Hunting, and Fishing with his good friends.  In the 1960’s &70’s, Bill was regularly printed in the Sapulpa newspaper for his outstanding bowling skills.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Marlene, his parents, his sister Marcela Norris, his brother Larry Wayne Vanarsdel, and great-grand son Jack Ryan Vanarsdel.

 He is survived by his sons, Steve Vanarsdel & wife Carolyn of Edmond, OK, Gary Vanarsdel & wife Wendy of Tulsa, OK, and Scott Vanarsdel & wife Tara of Owasso, OK, seven grandchildren; Tiffany Vanarsdel, Kristy N Cole, Cory Vanarsdel, Ryan Vanarsdel, Cathryn Villines, Cara Jackson, & Cami Vanarsdel, eleven great-grandchildren; Kaidance Marie Vanarsdel, Kase Allen Vanarsdel, Bodey Jack Vanarsdel, Cory Shay Vanarsdel Jr., Ellis Jane Vanarsdel, Jay Ryan Vanarsdel, Ty Scott Vanarsdel, Claire Joy Villines, Mille Paige Villines, Jace Michael Vanarsdel, and Baker James Jackson, nephews; Randy Hartman, Rick Hartman, Michael Thurber, Greg Vanarsdel, Bradley Vanarsdel, Timmy Vanarsdel, and niece Rhonda Henderson. Also survived by sister-in-laws, Valarie Ryer and Karen Linn, and  brother-in-law, Bobby Norris.