Bill Pete Stauss

Bill Pete Stauss of Tulsa Oklahoma passed away Sunday, March 5th.  He was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on June 21st, 1936 to Frank and Marguerite Stauss of Tahlequah, OK.  He was proceeded in death by his mother and father, as well as his brother Jim Stauss, and many well-loved dogs and cats.

After graduating from Oklahoma University as a petroleum engineer, Bill maintained a long career in the petroleum business, working for various companies that drilled offshore and in the Arctic, and many places in between.  He retired from the oil business in the mid-1980s, however, he never really retired.  He has always worked.  He taught upper level math, he taught developmentally challenged adults and always volunteered in the community; all the way up until his last days.

Bill was married to Kathryn (Kay) Stauss and they were married 64 years.  He loved her dearly and was determined to always take care of her.  He had a joy of travel and went on many adventures with Kay and his children.  Bill cherished his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  They were his joy and he loved telling stories about them.

Those who were close to him were aware of his wicked, and sometimes self-deprecating sense of humor.  He would often whisper in your ear something just between you and him that would absolutely crack you up.  Most importantly Bill had a very tender heart for animals.  His most favorite pet was Billy Bob, a Staffordshire Pit Bull.  Billy Bob traveled with him all over Oklahoma and Texas during Bill’s last years in the oil business.  He loved to go to drive through restaurants and get Billy Bob his own chicken strips and rib bones. He even wrote a book about Billy Bob.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Stauss, one son, David Stauss and wife Susan of Temple, Texas; one daughter Kimberly Stauss and husband Mark Elkington of Fayetteville, Arkansas; four grandchildren Jenny Stauss (married to Jerod Enger), Laura Douglas (married to Brian Douglas), Dylan Elkington-Stauss, and Caleb Elkington-Stauss; and four great grandchildren Parker, Colton, Ollie, and Otto.

A memorial service will be held at Hope Unitarian Universalist Church March 16, at 6:00 pm in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In honor of Bill’s love of animals, we would love for you to give to ASPCA or Best Friends Animal Society in lieu of flowers.

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