Francis ‘Bill’ McVicker, Jr.

Francis William “Bill” McVicker, Jr., was born Nov. 13, 1940, in Hennessey to Francis William and Genevieve Ethel McVicker. He passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, in Oklahoma City.

Bill grew up on a dairy farm west of Crescent and graduated from Crescent High School in 1959.

He joined the United States Air Force following high school.

His time in the service led to his most proud achievement, meeting Elizabeth Robinson who worked at the PX at South Ruislip AFB in London, England.

They married April 15, 1963, and transferred to Blytheville, Ark., AFB where they started their family.

Bill farmed, worked as a welder, was a loan officer, worked in the oilfield and retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource and Conservation Service to support Elizabeth and their five children.

He often expressed how proud he was of his family.

Bill was incredibly smart, knocking out brain-challenging puzzles and religiously watching and playing along with Jeopardy contestants.

He loved classical music, but his true passion was working with the soil by either designing soil conservation projects or planting trees and flowers.

Bill was known for his irises. He hybridized and created new varieties. He planted acres of irises and won endless awards for their beauty.

His irises are planted in multiple locations including London, Ireland and places throughout the U.S.

One variety, the “Nancy Kay,” is planted at the Arkansas state Capitol. He was very proud of this.

Bill was a very strong man who made the world a much brighter place.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard.

He is survived by one brother, Larry McVicker of Moore; one sister, Joyce McVicker of Oklahoma City; his wife Elizabeth of Kingfisher; his five children, Mike and wife Tona of Piedmont, Kathy and husband Marty James of Crescent, Paul and wife Jennifer of Midland, Texas, Craig and wife Ginger of Kingfisher, and Malissa McVicker of Houston, Texas, along with 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st St., Guthrie.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Reverend Father James Wickersham officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Edmond. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www. smithgallo.com.