With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Brother Bill Stookey (1945-2025), who passed away on August 17th, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 80 years young at the time of his departure.
Brother Stookey began his career with American Airlines in 1985 and dedicated over 20 years of service to our company as an Aviation Maintenance Technician, retiring in 2005. His commitment, expertise, and passion for his
work earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Always willing to lend a helping hand or offer guidance to his fellow members, his generosity inspired many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
We extend our deepest condolences to Bill’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. We also ask that you join us in remembering Brother Stookey’s life and legacy.
Rest in peace, Brother Bill. Your memory will live on through all who knew you.
Obituary for Bill Stookey
Bill Wayne Stookey, 80, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to John and Nathalie Stookey, Bill grew up in Tulsa, where he attended Nathan Hale High School and was a proud member of the wrestling team. He later attended Oklahoma Military Academy before following in his father’s footsteps as a skilled brick mason.
Bill went on to build a long and accomplished career as an A&P mechanic with American Airlines, specializing in hydraulics and the complex flight actuators that control airplanes. Known for his inventive mind and determination to make things work, Bill created numerous cost-saving innovations that earned him many awards and opportunities to travel the country sharing his ideas. After retiring from American Airlines, he began a third career as a landman in the oil and gas industry, work that often took him and his wife, Judy, across Oklahoma and Kansas.
A true do-it-yourselfer, Bill poured his heart into everything he built, fixed, or restored. He especially loved working on cars, rebuilding and painting them with flawless precision. Among his favorites were his red Corvettes-he owned three over the years and took great pride in keeping them in perfect condition. He also enjoyed deer hunting, appreciating the peace and connection with nature it brought him.
Above all, Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He and his high school sweetheart, Judy, shared 61 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure. He was deeply devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren-spending countless hours teaching, laughing, and creating memories that will last forever.
One of Bill’s favorite ways to spend time with his grandsons and son-in-law was riding and racing dirt bikes. Together, they explored trails at Camp Gruber, Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, and White Rock Mountain in Arkansas. Bill especially loved the challenge of conquering Dairy Queen Hill at Mark Twain National Forest. Many weekends were spent camping under the stars and preparing hearty meals over a campfire-always with a five-pound bag of fried potatoes and smoky percolator cowboy coffee (Starbucks) on the menu. Even after breaking his kneecap during a race, Bill stayed the entire day so his grandsons and son-in-law could finish, a testament to his strength, loyalty, and love for his family.
Bill also cherished being part of special family milestones. He proudly helped make his granddaughter Kylie’s five-tier wedding cake, carefully transferring it to the venue and setting it up with precision and love. In 2018, he fulfilled a lifelong dream with a memorable trip to Europe-a highlight of his life that he often spoke of with pride and joy.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Judy Stookey; brother Jim Stookey and wife Donna; daughters Becky Brittain, Desiree Palm and husband Daniel, and Karen Sparks and husband Tim; grandchildren Ryan Brittain and wife Lauren, Rodney Brittain and wife Leah, Kylie Garcia and husband Jose, Tifiani Palm, Lauren Sparks, and Jordan Weber and husband Lane; and great-grandchildren Olivia, Brooks, and Baylor Garcia, Tatum Brittain, and Harper Brittain.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nathalie Stookey.
Bill will be remembered for his ingenuity, his love of the outdoors, his dedication to family, and the countless ways he made life better for those around him. His legacy of love, laughter, and craftsmanship will live on through all who knew and loved him.