Obituary for Billy Coddington

Billy D. Coddington – Veteran

(September 7, 1938 – July 29, 2016)

Billy “Papa” Dean Coddington celebrated his homecoming on Friday, July 29th, 2016. Bill was born on Sept. 7, 1938 to David I. and Florence M. Wrench Coddington in Salina, Kansas.

In 1956, after finishing school in Salina, he joined the Navy. He attended basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, then served two years aboard the USS Yorktown CV-10. Back on dry land he transferred to North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, California to COMNAVAIRPAC.

He was married in 1958 and was blessed with four girls, Jody Coddington and John Krey, Jan Cotton, Tracy Poland and Steve and Terri Gardinier and Joe.

Bill met the love of his life Judith Ann and they married in 1971. Judy had four children, Lisa Hooker and Rodney, Rick Hancock and Kim, Rusty Hancock and Beth and Miki Friedman and Scott. His blessings continued with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill took great pleasure in attending and following all their activities which was a full time job! He loved his grandkids and they adored him.

He was an avid OSU fan and enjoyed watching wrestling, football and basketball, “GO POKES”!! Bill loved to golf and travel. He shared this love with a very special group of friends. They often took trips to golf and the women would shop. The Cherokee Strip golf tournament was a yearly highlight.

Bill was a truck driver for Conoco Oil and then became the owner of the “Big O” on South Avenue and purchased the Rusty Barrell Supper Club in June, 1976. He was a police officer in Fillmore, California and had a heart for police officers. To show his appreciation for their service he supported and would often host the Oklahoma Highway Patrolmen at the Rusty Barrell.

Bill loved Ponca City and is grateful for the support of the community which has allowed him to have his business for 40 years. The restaurant will stay in the family operated by his son Rick Hancock. He is survived by one sister, Josephine Miller of Salina, KS, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill shared the last few years with his fiancée, Melody Isbell.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Judy Coddington, his parents, four brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Opportunity Center, 2225 North Union, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601, opcenterok.org or to Hope Ranch, 522 North Fourteenth Street, No. 233, Ponca City, OK 74601.

A celebration of life service will be held at Friday, August 5, 2016 at 2 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Don Doe of Phoenix, Arizona, a special family friend. The family will greet friends at Trout Funeral Home on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home