William Lee "Buddy" Reding

William Lee "Buddy" Reding, born on December 12, 1934, in Springdale, Arkansas to James Maxie and Velma Ruth (Sinor) Reding, passed away on September 1, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma after a brief illness at the age of 89. He lived an inspiring life dedicated to education, family, and adventure.

Bill devoted 32 remarkable years to public education, teaching several different subjects before attaining the role of Assistant Superintendent at Area Vo-Tech. He retired from this esteemed position in 1988, leaving behind a legacy rooted in compassion and commitment to schooling. His educational journey began with his high school graduation in 1952 from Kansas, Oklahoma, followed by a Bachelor of Education earned in 1956 from Northeastern State University. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's degree in Education from Oklahoma State University in 1969.

On September 17, 1956 Bill married Patsy Lee Wright to which three beautiful daughters, Sandra, Karen, and Cathy, were born.  They were blessed with 36 years until Patsy passed away in 1992.  Bill then married Judy Jackson Cokeley on July 4, 1993 to share his love and life with and gained an extended family as well.  Together they laughed, loved, and made many memories on this journey of life while enjoying children, grandchildren, retirement, and each other.

Bill was known for his gentle, kind spirit, embodying the qualities of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His passion for family was evident, as he cherished every moment spent with loved ones. After retirement, he took pleasure in traveling the world with his wife Judy and was particularly proud to have visited all 50 states and several countries. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gold mining, and carpentry, pursuits that reflected his love for nature and craftsmanship.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Reding; children Sandra Fagan (Kelly) of Stillwater, OK, Cathy McNeil (Greg) of Stillwater, OK, Wednesday Reid (Mitchell) of Dewey, OK, and Chrystal Cokeley-Rice (Curtis) of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Christopher Fagan (Jessica), Michael Fagan, Bryan McNeil (Norah), Blake McNeil, Karrie Mathis (Tony), Dusty William Sisco, Mitchell Reid (Brittany), Michael Reid (Lisa), Ashley Reid, Alexander Reid (Alice), and Cydney Rice; great-grandchildren, Cody Fagan(Lyssa), Logan Fagan, Hannah Fagan, Emma Fagan, Eric Fagan, Colten Ley, Jason Ley, Cheyenne Ley, Ava McNeil , Hadley McNeil, Gracie Sisco, Olivia Reid, Kennedy Reid, Airelle Reid, Elena Reid, Sevellyn Reid, Ari Reid, Sophia Reid, Aspen Reid, Ashdon Reid, Aiden Reid, and Adelaide Reid; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who will all miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Karen Sisco; granddaughter, Jennifer Lee Sisco; sister, Louise Webster; and two step-sons, Bradley Cokeley and Derek Jackson Cokeley.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bill's life at a viewing on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Family with be available to greet guests from 6PM to 8PM all at Stillwater - Dighton Marler Funeral Home, located at 5106 N Washington St, Stillwater, OK.  A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens south of Stillwater at 2:30 PM.

William Lee "Buddy" Reding leaves behind a rich legacy of love, education, and adventure that will forever inspire those he touched throughout his life.