William “Bill” K. Dawdy, 78, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away on November 2, 2023. His greatest pride in life were his children and grandchildren, with whom he shared countless hours and years supporting their many interests and pursuits from horses to school activities. He shared his life with his high school sweetheart, Dianna, with whom he recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Bill was born on June 25, 1945, in Salina, Kansas. He graduated with the class of 1963 from Salina Central High School and attended Fort Hays State University. He later served in the Air Force reserves.

Bill’s early interests were firmly rooted in the family ranching business, where he built his own herd of registered Hereford cattle as a high school student and president of his FFA chapter. He continued on to a dedicated career of ranch management and stock improvement throughout his life, retiring in 2014.

Complimentary to his career in ranching, Bill had a passion for breeding and training performance horses for various events such as cutting, roping, showing, sorting, team roping, team penning, and ranch rodeo. These activities were pursued with enthusiasm by Bill and his entire family. He also served as president of the Kansas Team Penning Association, and expanded the association throughout the state of Kansas.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dianna of the home; his daughter, Kim (Clint) Suhr, of Assaria, KS; his son, TK (Ashley) Dawdy, of Valley View, TX; his grandchildren, Cody (April) Suhr, Kyler (Kaylee) Suhr and Kara Suhr, Katelyn and Kassidy Dawdy; and his great-grandchildren, Ava, Calan, and Kacey Suhr. He is also survived by his sister, Janice “Jake” Roberts of Scottsdale, AZ, sister, Jane Schumaker of Salina, KS; and his brother, David (Ellen) Dawdy of Manhattan, KS. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Hazel Dawdy of Salina, and his sister, Janet Steinfort of Junction City, KS.

Graveside services will be held at the Roselawn Cemetery, Salina. Contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association through Roselawn Mortuary. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

His legacy will live on through the memories and love he shared with his family and friends.

Paid Obituary