William Horace Christopher Jr.

1924 - 2021

William Horace Christopher, Jr.

William Horace Christopher, Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 27, 2021, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born in Plano, Texas, on November 28, 1924, to William and Wilma Christopher. Bill graduated from Central High School and attended Oklahoma State University where he pursued an engineering degree. He joined the Air Force to help defend his country in World War II. Upon returning to Tulsa, Bill began working for Union Tank and Manufacturing as the District Sales Manager. One day, a good friend of Bill's said, "You need to meet Lily Ann Stoklasa," to which Bill replied, "With a name like that, I have to meet this girl!' Bill and Ann were married February 12, 1950. Soon after, Bill began working for Murdock Oil followed by Sauder Industries where he became Executive Vice President. Bill was then recruited by John Zink Company, where he managed marketing and supervised the design of oil, gas, and water treating equipment. Subsequently, Bill and two partners began their own oil and gas engineering and design firm, Gas Processors International. During that time, Bill was able to obtain several patents for his designs in the field of oil and gas processing.

Bill and Ann learned to snow ski in Kitzbühel, Austria. They spent many winters on the slopes with their son, Mark and daughter, Chrisanne. Bill served as president of the Tulsa Ski Club in 1969.

In 1976, Bill purchased and finished construction of a retail shopping center at 41st and Sheridan, which he and Ann named "Christopher Place". In response to son, Mark's love of go-kart racing, Bill and Mark started Cycles International, emphasizing go-kart retail sales and service that later expanded into motorcycle, ultra-light aircraft, and finally, high-end Italian racing bicycles and components which ultimately grew in the 1980s into a major import and distribution company, CKR. The company sponsored numerous professional cyclists nationally.

Bill was incredibly blessed to have been a part of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and to have been a discussion group leader for seven years. He established many lasting friendships and his faith grew stronger in the process. An outgrowth of BSF was a weekly Bible study group that he facilitated along with Dr. Terry Bell for almost 20 years that took place at Bill's office, which later moved to his home after his stroke in 2013, where it continued until the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill was passionate about Oklahoma State athletics. In November 2013, Bill was watching the closing minutes of an OSU basketball game in his office. OSU guard, Marcus Smart, had an opportunity to win the game, when he missed a crucial free throw. Bill immediately suffered a stroke, which seriously impacted his speech and mobility. Despite those impairments, which lasted for the remainder of his life, Bill never complained about his stroke-related disability, but maintained his sense of humor.

A longtime member of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ann; son, Mark Christopher, of Tulsa; and daughter, Chrisanne and her husband, Ted Nelson, of Tulsa.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that friends consider making a donation to Kirk of the Hills. A private memorial service is scheduled.