William Haskell “Bill” Chambers, Jr., 89, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, October 30, 2026, at his home, surrounded by generations of the family he loved so dearly. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.
Bill was born May 12, 1937, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, to William Chambers Sr. and Mary Juanita (Long) Chambers. His life was defined by Christian faith, service, hard work, humor, and an abiding devotion to family.
At just 17 years old, with his father’s written consent, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Columbus (CA-74) and attained the rating of Yeoman Third Class (YN3), a Petty Officer Third Class. Following eight years of Navy service, he continued serving his country through the United States Navy Reserve.
Bill remained deeply proud of his military service throughout his life. In later years, he was a proud member of Alfred LittleStandingBuffalo Post 38 and looked forward to attending the annual Ponca City Veterans Day Parade.
On July 3, 1958, in Kingsville, Texas, Bill married the love of his life, Mary “Tootsie” Barnes. Together they raised four children-Jerry, Joe, Sarah, and Stacey-and shared 48 years of marriage before Tootsie’s passing on November 11, 2006. He was a wonderful father and provider.
Following his military service, Bill began a career with the United States Postal Service, serving the Ponca City community as a letter carrier for more than 30 years. He often reminded his family that he had delivered mail in Ponca City before many of its roads were paved. During his younger years, Bill also managed several local Triple T stores while working for the Postal Service. Retirement did not keep him still for long, and he later spent several years working at Precision Tool and Die.
Bill was a man of deep Christian faith. For many years, he was a member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Ponca City and remained part of that church family until its closing. His faith provided a foundation throughout his life and was reflected in his commitment to family, service, perseverance, and faithfulness.
Bill also knew how to enjoy life. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke. He loved fishing and camping, playing dominoes and pitch, listening to old time country music, going out for lunch throughout the week, and visiting the local casinos. A lifelong sports fan, he faithfully cheered for the Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners football team through both good seasons and bad.
But the games that mattered most to Bill were the ones involving his own family.
If a grandchild had a ballgame, school program, competition, ceremony, or special event, Grandpa wanted to be there. Over the years, countless bleachers, ballfields, gymnasiums, and auditoriums became familiar places to him.
Grandpa showed up.
Those words capture much of the way Bill lived his life. He showed up for his country, his faith, his work, his wife of 48 years, and especially his family. His grandchildren never had to wonder whether Grandpa was proud of them; they often needed only to look toward the crowd and find him there.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary “Tootsie” (Barnes) Chambers; his eldest son, Jerry Chambers, who passed away in February 2026; his parents, William Chambers Sr. and Mary Juanita (Long) Chambers; and his siblings, Cal Chambers, Kenneth Fitzsimmons, Jay Chambers, and Patsy Bell Rains.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children and their spouses, Joe and Mary Chambers, Sarah and Jimmie Sherron, and Stacey and Jaden Chambers; his daughter-in-law, Kay Chambers, wife of his late son Jerry; and his daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Amber Chambers and Bobby Bates, who held a special place in Bill’s heart.
Bill’s family includes his 13 grandchildren: Daniel Sherron, Caleb Sherron, Luke Sherron, Evan Chambers, Justin Chambers, Jesse Chambers, Wyatt Chambers, Tiffany Chambers, Dustin Chambers, Bailey Bates, Josh Matthews, Russ Toothman, and Stoney Toothman.
He was further blessed with 18 great-grandchildren: Moriah, Kira, Aliayah, Sarah, Martin, Kayson, Isaac, Quincy, Easton, Elias, Ariah, Bexton, Sophia, Baker, Breckin, Briggs, Jayden, and Braxton; and three great-great-grandchildren: Arya, Ryland, and Gabriel. He also leaves behind extended family, fellow veterans, former coworkers, longtime friends, and many others who knew and loved him.
After spending a lifetime being present for the people he loved, it was fitting that Bill spent his final moments at home surrounded by family. His presence will be deeply missed, but the lessons he leaves behind are simple and lasting: have faith, work hard, laugh often, love your family, and show up for the people who matter.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Trout Funeral Home and Crematory in Ponca City, Oklahoma.
A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Tabernacle Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma. His eldest grandson, Daniel Sherron, will officiate alongside Rev. Don Stanton. Burial will follow at Longwood Cemetery.
The family will gather nightly at Bill’s home, 1208 S. 5th Street in Ponca City, where friends and loved ones are welcome to join them in fellowship and remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma or OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center.