Bill Milner

Services for Billy Joel “Bill” Milner, 97, of Ada are 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday October 8, 2026.

Mr. Milner died Friday, October 2, 2026, at a local assisted living center. He was born May 13, 1929, in Atwood, OK to William Joel and Essie Pearl DeShields Milner.

He married Jean Estes on December 6, 1949. She preceded him in death on April 11, 2024. Mr. Milner proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a sergeant from 1952 to 1956. During that time, he was awarded The United Nations Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and The Good Conduct Medal. He continued his service in Reserves until discharge in 1960. He and Jean moved to Ada in 1957 where he owned and ran the Champlin Service Station until the early 1960’s when he went to work for Kerr Pump Inc. for more than 50 years.

Our Friend, brother, uncle, husband, Papa and Dad has passed on from this life. He lived an honorable and content life here on earth.

He shared his Christian beliefs by being consistent, loving, and patient. He taught us to go to God in prayer for guidance and discernment. He was always there, walking the walk, and never wavering.

He instilled in us that there was nothing we couldn’t do if we put our minds to it. He provided support, courage & wisdom. He set a high bar for work ethic, but also to make time to have fun. He enjoyed family gatherings, fishing, camping, boating, and simply getting down in the floor to play with the kids!

We love you dearly, and you will be missed by the many you touched throughout your life. Almost a century of memories and blessings. Each of us will have a piece of you to carry on because you shared yourself with us.

Survivors include his son, Bruce Milner and wife Dianne; his daughter, Pam McKinzie and husband Dwayne; Grandchildren, Amy James and husband Michael, Megan Keating and husband Drew, Daniel Hobbs and wife Cara, Nathan Hobbs and wife Kelly, Shelby Bigelow and husband Brian, Jaime Merriman and husband Clint, A.J. Yates, Kasey Collins and husband Caleb, and Katy Shepard and husband James; Great-grandchildren, Harrison James, Eva and Tobias Keating, Grayson, Elam, Nora, and Halle Hobbs, Noah and Maggie Hobbs, Riley and Callum Bigelow, Raylyn Merriman, Jack and Jared Brooks, Arden Yates, P.J. And Shay Collins, Chasen and Tatum Shepard; Siblings, Linda Willoughby, Kenny Milner and wife Fleta; and many adored nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Joel Milner and wife Essie Pearl DeShields Milner; Brothers, Ron Milner, Carroll Milner; and wife, Jean Milner.

Bearers will be Brian Bigelow, Clay Milner, Daniel Hobbs, Kenny Milner, Nathan Hobbs, and Noah Hobbs.

This will be a celebration of Bill’s life, don’t feel inclined to wear only black. Thank you for your prayers, condolences & support.