Billy Jasper Dragoo

Billy J. Dragoo, age 86, of Temple passed from this life on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at his residence. Billy was born on the 6th day of July 1939 in Rogers, to parents Jasper Emmitt and Imogene (Warren) Dragoo.
Billy graduated from Temple High School in 1957. After years of working for ER Carpenter and proudly serving in the TX National Guard, Billy returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Arts at George Fox College in Newberg, Oregon. He would marry the love of his life, Dessie Smith Dragoo, on June 21, 1969, in Temple. The two would enjoy raising and growing up with four sons and two daughters over the course of many amazing years spent together. Billy loved his career in journalism spending many years working for newspapers in Burnet, Killeen, Gonzales, Mason, and Sealy before retiring as Editor/Publisher of the Waller County News in Hempstead, Texas. Billy was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Imogene Dragoo, son David Cantrell, two grandchildren: David Cameron and Crystal Dragoo, and one great-granddaughter: Suzannah Goins.
Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years Dessie Dragoo of Temple, three sons: Steven Dragoo of Belton, Stanley Dragoo of Temple, and Danny Cantrell of Temple, two daughters: Susan Wilkins of Killeen, and Rene Tiroff of Temple, as well as ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A "Come and Go" Celebration of Life will be held at the Dragoo's Residence 2613 Marlandwood Circle, Temple, Texas, 76502 on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 12:00 o'clock p.m. (noon) till 4:00 o'clock p.m.
Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.