FORT RILEY — Billy Joe Bame, 61, Lyndon, died Monday, May 31, 2021, at Fort Riley.
He was born June 8, 1959, in Topeka, the son of Robert L. and Francis I. (Grove) Bame. He grew up in the Overbrook area, attending Overbrook schools. During his life, Billy lived in Overbrook, Lyndon, and Topeka, before moving back to Lyndon after the death of his wife in 2012.
From 1978 to 1999, Billy was a wire fabricator for Essex Wire in Pauline. He then worked for three years at Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Ottawa, as a picker. From 2008 to 2015, he worked as a construction foreman for Norwak Construction in Goddard, retiring due to illness.
Billy loved motorcycles. He loved to fish and garden. He was always excited to look at a classic car or antiques. Many nostalgic items from his youth had become collectibles, and he always enjoyed looking around at them in the different stores and sales. He was a huge classic rock music fan. He always had time for a good rock song. Most important in his life were his beloved grandchildren. They were his world, and he spent as much time as possible with them.
On May 27, 1978, Billy was united in marriage to Beverly Roberts in Overbrook. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Billy is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Dillard (Demetrius), Fort Riley; his son, Justin Bame, Shawnee; four brothers, Jack Bame (Pat), Carbondale, Jerry Bame (Betty), Scranton, John Bame (Debbie), Overbrook, and Jim Bame (Susie), Burlingame; and his four grandchildren, Deshawn McClelland and Nevaeh, Sophia and Zoey Dillard, all of Fort Riley.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at the United Methodist Church, Overbrook, followed by burial at Ridgeway Cemetery. Family will meet with friends for a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 11, at the United Methodist Church, Overbrook.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Bame Memorial Fund and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524.
