Bill UkenaEnid, OK

Bill Ukena was born on February 10, 1933, in Enid, Oklahoma, a place that always felt like home to him. At just 17 years old, Bill answered his country’s call and entered active military service on September 1, 1950, serving with the 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War. After returning home, he quietly finished what he had put on hold, graduating from Enid High School in 1953—following the advice he received from his fellow servicemen as well as his own determination.

On June 18, 1955, Bill married Dorothy Dean Drennan, the love of his life and his partner in all things for the many years that followed. Together they built a life grounded in commitment, faith, and family. Bill earned his degree from Phillips University in May of 1959, opening the door to a long and steady professional career.

Bill was a man who believed in showing up and doing the job well. He worked for Hughes Aircraft Company in Fullerton, California, before returning to Oklahoma and Texas, where he spent more than 25 years with Champlin Petroleum Company. He later worked for Meridian Oil Company until his retirement. His work ethic was strong, but he never lost sight of what mattered most—his family.

A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Bill’s faith quietly guided his life. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and took pride in each of them.

Some of Bill’s happiest moments were spent in the sky. As a private pilot, he flew not for prestige or purpose, but for the simple joy of flight—landing at small airfields across Texas and Oklahoma, savoring the freedom and peace that flying gave him.

He greatly enjoyed fishing in Oklahoma lakes close by, in quiet solitude with the early rays of the morning sun. He took pleasure in his beer and soft drinks of choice, (Coors Light and Dr Pepper.)

Bill is survived by his son, Todd Ukena and wife Mikela of Lubbock, Texas; his daughter, Lynn Lorenz and husband, Jeff of Broken Arrow; and his grandchildren, Mikela Bryant and husband, Shane from Snyder, Texas, Chris Lorenz from Nobel, Oklahoma and Allie Schreier and husband, Adam from Stillwater, Oklahoma, great-grandchildren, Kendall Bryant and Arlo Schreier. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Bruce Ukena of Orlando, Florida. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ukena, sister-in-law Ruth Ukena, mother, Alice Ukena, father, Edwin John Ukena and brother, Robert “Bobby” Ukena.

Bill Ukena will be remembered as a steady, humble man—one who served his country, loved his family fiercely, lived his faith quietly, and found joy in the wide open sky.

A special thanks to Suncrest Hospice for their exceptional care of Bill. Graveside services will be held Monday, June 29th at 10:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid, Ok.