Billy Allen Welkener of Pawnee, Texas was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 17, 2024, at the age of 85 years.  He was residing at the LiveOak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in George West at the time of his passing.

Billy was born on December 31, 1938, in Beeville Texas to William and Sally Welkener of Pawnee.    He attended school in Pawnee, graduating in 1957.  He participated in all sports and excelled in all sports according to one of his classmates.  The basketball team went to the State playoffs in 1956. 

He graduated from then Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with Batchelor and Master of Education degrees.  He also achieved a Doctor of Education degree during his career as a School Administrator. 

Billy was a loyal member of the Pawnee Methodist Church, serving as Church Council Chair for a few years.  He loved singing “This Is The Day” at the beginning of services.

He began his long career in education, coaching and administration in the Skidmore-Tynan Schools.  He also served in the Gregory-Portland School District and served the majority of his school career in the Austwell-Tivoli School District, as the Principal and then served many years as the Superintendent of Schools there until his retirement. 

Billy grew up on the Welkener ranch helping his Dad with cattle and farming.  He kept raising cattle as a side career, and in the 1970’s began raising Beefmaster cattle.  He found his passion in the BEEFMASTER cattle.  He became a member of the national Beefmaster Breeders United organization.  He joined the Live Oak Beefmaster Association and was an active member of that association becoming the President for several terms, serving the LOBBA for over 28 years. 

Billy received the prestigious LIVE OAK LEGEND Award in 2013, Breeder of the Year in 2007, and Member of the Year in 2011.  He served on the BBU National Board of Directors, as well as several committees to help further the Beefmaster cattle industry.  He served on the BBU International Committee and was instrumental in bringing Beefmaster cattle to Mexico and other South American countries.  He enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Canada and Australia promoting Beefmaster cattle and making lifelong friends in these countries. 

Next to cattle, Billy enjoyed hunting with his friends in Colorado, and fishing at Pt Mansfield with Beefmaster friends.   Billy and Marie married in 2002, and spent their time together serving BBU, attending BBU conventions, and other social events, and when there was dance music playing, they were out on the dance floor.  Billy learned to dance after meeting Marie and his favorite dance was the waltz.

Billy’s son, Bradley preceded him in going to Heaven, and they will have a reunion now.  Billy is survived by his wife, Marie, and sons that he gained through their marriage, Steve Doty, Jim Doty, and Mike Doty along with their spouses, former daughter in law, Michaela Doty.   He also welcomed Marie’s grandchildren as his own, Ashley Abbey, John Chance Doty, Patrick Doty, James Doty, Colton Doty, Matt Doty and Hadley Doty and great grandchildren, Brody, Baylee and Greyson Abbey, Kacie and Shelby Doty, Amelia Doty, and Cayson and Cayleigh Doty.  He is also survived by his sister Saundra and her husband Elton Lieke, and their children and grandchildren.  Several cousins also survive him.

Family Visitation will be Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Christi Crist officiating. Interment will follow in the Pawnee Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers are his Grandsons: Chance Doty, Patrick Doty, James Doty, Colton Doty, Matthew Doty and Cody Abbey.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association Board Members and Pawnee Methodist Church Methodist Men.

Memorials may be made to the Pawnee United Methodist Church Building Fund.