William N. “Bill” Engler passed from this life Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at the age of 91. He was born Saturday, June 27, 1931, in Golden, OK to William Samuel and Pollie Ann (Standridge) Engler.

Bill’s greatest love was for God, his children, and family. He was a man of strong faith. He brought a smile to all who knew him. Bill loved hunting and running his dogs. He enjoyed gardening and had an exceptional green thumb. He enjoyed family gatherings and outings with his siblings. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.  Bill grew up in Golden, OK where he developed a love for the outdoors and hunting. He attended Golden Baptist church where his dad Sam was Sunday school superintendent for a period of time. His mother Pollie Ann was active in the church as well. Bill was baptized in Glover River on April 16, 1944, along with his father Sam, and siblings Virginia, Mondell, and Lindon.

Bill served four years in the United States Air Force in Greece, Turkey and other faraway places.  While on leave from the USAF, Bill married Betty Spencer on Friday, 13 June 1958.  

After being honorably discharged in 1960, Bill returned to McCurtain County and started his family and career. Bill served numerous years in the Sheriff’s department in Southeastern Oklahoma. Bill was elected and served as Broken Bow Chief of Police. He also was elected and served as Valliant Chief. Later working as a ranger at Beavers Bend State Park.  After retirement he provided security services for local industries and lived in Golden. He was fondly called the Golden Sheriff by his family as he provided neighborhood watch for the area.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Samuel and Pollie Ann (Standridge) Engler; his son, Paul Clinton Engler; mother of his children, Betty Sue (Spencer) Bailey; brothers, G. Lee Engler, James Isaac Mondell Engler, Tillman Lindon Engler, Vince Hugo Engler; sisters, Sarah Varennes Tomlinson, Alice Virginia Bridges, and Cora Ellen Belyeu.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory, daughters,  Jan DeVore and husband, Steve of Idabel, Cindy Oehler and husband, Billy, of Broken Bow, and Lisa Engler of Broken Bow; a son, Darren Engler of Broken Bow; brother, Virdell Engler of Holly Creek; sister, Darlene Gibson of Glover; grandchildren, McKenzie Devore of Oklahoma City, Lance Devore of Idabel, Courtney Bone of Broken Bow, Ashley Porton of Norman, Jesse Paul and Dawson Engler both of Broken Bow; great-grandchildren, Logan Bone of Stillwater, Aven and Isla Porton of Norman, and RayLee Devore of Idabel.

The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. on Friday evening, October 21, 2022, at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home, Broken Bow.

Funeral Services will be held at Victory Life Church in Broken Bow, OK on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Lynn Tomlinson and Pastor Jimmy Jeter officiating. Interment to follow at Glover Cemetery.