Billy George Evanoff

1927 - 2015

Billy George Evanoff of Breckenridge passed away at 87 on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Memorial service: 3 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church in Breckenridge. Interment: Private burial will be held in Breckenridge Cemetery. Bill was born Nov. 8, 1927, in Roby to George Howard Evanoff and Minnie Adell Evanoff. He and his older sister, Mary Dell Ritchey, were raised in Breckenridge, where he proudly lived and loved to call home. He attended Breckenridge High School where he played trumpet in the band and played at the district championship for the Buckaroos football team as an All-State offensive tackle. After his high school graduation in 1946, he attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene on a football scholarship. It wasn't long after he started college that he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served 18 months in Germany in the Army Intelligence Division. After serving his country, Bill enrolled at Texas Christian University through the GI Bill and became a lifelong Horned Frog. As a student at TCU, he met Marianne Hill and they were married in 1952 following his graduation with a bachelor's degree in geology. His career in geology began at T&P Coal and Oil Company, where he gained the experience and knowledge that launched his success as a prominent geologist in the oil and gas industry. He later went on to work for the Petroleum Corporation of Texas, where he served as chief geologist and vice president for 25 years. Bill was an active member of the Breckenridge community and regularly participated in local civic affairs. He served on numerous boards and committees including the Breckenridge Planning and Zoning Commission and board member of the Breckenridge Independent School District. He was also a longtime member of American Association of Petroleum Geologists, coached youth sports teams and was an active leader with the local Boys Scouts of America chapter. He loved to watch college football and could be found on Fall Saturdays rooting for the TCU Horned Frogs as a loyal fan. His love for automobiles was always prominently on display both in his garage and through many of his daily interactions and conversations. He became a Cadillac man early in adulthood and remained so for the rest of his life, frequently sharing this passion with his family. Survivors: His wife, Marianne Hill Evanoff; and their three sons, Brad Evanoff, Robert Evanoff and Bryan Evanoff. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Laura and Leslie Evanoff and Nick Speer. Memorials: In remembrance, contributions may be made to Our Town, P.O. Box 985, Breckenridge, Texas, 76424, a local non-profit helping community members in need, or to a non-profit organization of the donor's choice.