William Frank Bilbrey

William Frank Bilbrey passed away on October 28, 2026, in Burleson, Texas, at the age of 95. He was born on May 22, 1931, in Lovington, New Mexico.

William lived a long and hardworking life marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his profession. He served in the United States Army, and throughout his life he carried the values of service and commitment into all that he did. He attended Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanic College in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, continuing to build the knowledge and skills that would shape his career.

For more than 40 years, William worked for Bruckners Inc. as a shop foreman, earning the respect of those around him through steady leadership and deep knowledge of his craft. He also taught diesel mechanics at Coronado High School for several years, sharing his experience with younger generations and helping others learn a trade he knew well.

On December 22, 1952, he married Dorothy Mae Bilbrey in Lawton, Oklahoma. Their marriage was a cherished part of his life, and together they built a family that remained central to him through the years.

William found joy in the simple and meaningful things he loved most. He enjoyed working on his cars, fishing, and leatherworking, and he was an avid reader. These interests reflected both his skill with his hands and his thoughtful nature.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Bilbrey; his father, Pete Bilbrey; his mother, Dessie Bilbrey; his brothers, Milton and Kenneth; and his sisters, Patsy and Teresa.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamalea West and her husband Jay, and Dessie Baker and her husband Glen. He is also survived by his sisters, Eva Sooter and Bessie Denny, and by his brothers, Marion and Johnny.

William’s legacy continues through his grandchildren and their families: Allison Rico and her husband Fermin; Brian and his wife Gina; Taylor Patterson and her husband Chris; Jennifer; Stephen and his wife Whitney; Zech and his wife Sara; Aaron and his wife Elizabeth; Leah and her husband Curtis; Jacob and his wife Jennifer; and Eli. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Sophie Rico Romero, Isabelle, Johnathan, Scout, Maple, Juliet, Wesley, Emma, Madalyn, Tyler, Mary, Grace, Mason, and Tyler. He will be remembered with love by all who were blessed to know him, and his family will carry his memory forward with gratitude and affection.

Visitation will be held on November 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Skyvue Funeral Home, 7220 Rendon Bloodworth Rd, Mansfield, Texas 76063. A graveside service will follow on November 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Skyvue Memorial Gardens, 7220 Rendon Bloodworth Rd, Mansfield, Texas 76063.