Francis William (Bill) McVicker, Jr. was born November 13, 1940 in Hennessey, Oklahoma to Francis William and Genevieve Ethel McVicker. He passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
He grew up on a dairy farm west of Crescent, Oklahoma 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, London England. They married April 15, 1963 and transferred to Blytheville, Arkansas AFB where they started their family.
Bill farmed, worked as a welder, was a loan officer, worked in the oilfield, and retired from the US Dept 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 US. 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 is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard.
He is survived by one brother, Larry McVicker of Moore, OK; and one sister, Joyce McVicker; of Oklahoma City; his wife, Elizabeth of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; his five children – Mike and his wife, Tona of Piedmont, OK; Kathy and husband Marty James of Crescent; Paul and wife, Jennifer of Midland, TX; Craig and wife, Ginger of Kingfisher; and Malissa McVicker of Houston, TX along with thirteen grandkids, and twelve greatgrandchildren.
A rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M., Monday, December 13, 2021 at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st St., Guthrie, OK 73044. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church with the Reverend Father James Wickersham officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Edmond following the service. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held Monday, 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www. smithgallo.com.