Rev. Bill Eugene Benefiel

Rev. Bill E. Benefiel, 82, of Dewey, longtime area pastor, died Friday in Dewey. Billie Eugene Benefiel was born the son of Ben Harvey and Pearl Elmira (Norton) Benefiel on March 16, 1934, in Bartlesville. He was attending Limestone School when the family moved due to his father being a pastor, first to Drumright and then to Arkansas City before returning to Bartlesville when he was 17. Bill received his high school certificate from Caney Valley High School. At the age of 18 he started his career with Reda Pump which transitioned to TRW when he retired in 1987 after 34 years of faithful service. Bill met the love of his life Joan through their parents. The young couple was united in marriage on July 23, 1954, in Bartlesville. Shortly after getting married Bill received his calling to the ministry. He pastored various local congregations before planting a new church New Hope Assembly in 1981. At first they met in downtown Dewey in the old bank and in 1982 built the new church building at 700 E. Durham Rd using the expertise and labor of the church members. Bill reluctantly retired from the ministry in 2010 due to health issues, after 50-plus years of ministry for his Savior Jesus Christ. Bill’s passions in life were the Lord, Family, Fishing and Fib-telling (LOL) in that order. With Joan by his side they were committed to the church and the many activities of the church. Bill’s God-given talent for storytelling was a source of learning, sharing and often laughter. Bill sought out good fishing spots, particularly for catfish and spoonbill that were his favorite fish to catch. Bill enjoyed many memorable trips over to Miami and one unforgettable catfish caught at Hulah Lake weighed 48 pounds! Bill and Joan loved spending time together and their favorite thing to do was eating out at various restaurants. Later in life they cared for Bill’s father and Joan’s mother in their home so they wouldn’t have to go to the care center so soon. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Joan; two sons Kevin Vaughn Benefiel of Bartlesville and Alan Abel and Ida of Eucha, OK; one sister Evon Stark of Nowata; seven grandchildren, Kevin Michael Benefiel, Christopher Lee Benefiel, Bradley Eugene Benefiel, Sheilah Paterson, Nathan Abel, Kelsey Harjo and Brianna Abel and fifteen great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Eddie Leon Benefiel, one sister Mary Ann White and one grandson Brandon Abel. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10-8 and Wednesday 10-12. Bill’s family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home, 918-534-3030, 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Tuesday, Dec. 27, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, at the former New Hope Assembly, 700 E. Durham in Dewey. Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with Bill’s family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Rev. Bill Eugene Benefiel

March 16, 1934 - December 23, 2016