BILLY KENNETH BLEDSOE

BILLY KENNETH BLEDSOE August 11, 1931 October 7, 2025 Billy Kenneth Bledsoe passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at the age of 94. Bill was born in Walnut Springs, Texas, on August 11, 1931, the only child of Merwood "Monk" Steven and Wilma Clack Bledsoe. He grew up in Hillsboro and for a time lived with his parents at the Texas Power & Light substation where his father worked. Bill often reflected on his good fortune to have been raised by loving, hardworking parents and maintained deep respect for them throughout his life. A 1948 graduate of Hillsboro High School, Bill attended Hill County College and Austin College for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where he served four years during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic in Florida, England, and North Africa. Following his military service, he continued his education at Arlington State College (now UTA), where a blind date introduced him to the love of his life, Betty Jo Patteson, his "red-headed schoolteacher." Bill and Betty were married on December 22, 1956, and shared more than 63 years together before her passing in 2020. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University in 1960 and began a lifelong career with Texas Power & Light (later TXU Energy). He and Betty moved to Sherman, Texas, in 1968 with their two young sons, Steve and Jeff, where Bill continued his work and the couple made their home for more than five decades. Bill approached life with steadiness and common sense. He valued honesty, kept his word, and enjoyed time with family. He especially appreciated a good book, a well-made meal, and a good western movie. He had a dry sense of humor and a practical way of looking at the world. When asked how he was doing, his trademark reply was, "If I was any better, I couldn't stand it." A lifelong Presbyterian, Bill was an active member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Sherman, where he served as an elder and on various committees and built lasting friendships. He enjoyed fishing, shooting sports, woodworking, and was an avid reader with a curious mind that made him conversant on nearly any topic. In later years, he devoted himself to caring for Betty with great patience and love, exemplifying devotion through daily acts of service. Bill is survived by his two sons and their families: Steve Bledsoe and wife Marti of Bryan, Texas, and Jeff Bledsoe and wife Julie of Fort Worth, Texas; four grandchildren: Elizabeth Bledsoe Piwonka and her husband Nick, Stephanie Bledsoe Browning and her husband Charlie, Carter Bledsoe, and Audrey Bledsoe Kuper and her husband Cason; and three great-grandchildren: Benton Browning, Catherine Browning, and Truett Kuper. A graveside service will be held at noon on November 1, 2025, at Eureka Cemetery located on Bill's family farm in Itasca, Texas. Lunch will follow in Hillsboro. To locate the cemetery, please enter 32.1122, -97.1490 into any mapping app. You can also search Google for Eureka Cemetery Itasca Texas, and it will lead you to findagrave.com where you can get directions. Bill lived a full and faithful life as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp mind, and the love and steadiness he brought to those around him.