William "Bill" Ramon Paulk

William Ramon Paulk was promoted to Heaven on July 8, 2026 at the age of 94. He was born on December 14, 1931 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Arthur and Sylvia (Lathrop) Paulk. After graduating high school, Bill entered the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at the age of 17, later becoming the Coordinator for the Local 344 Plumbing Apprenticeship Program.During the Korean War, he served four years in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. Bill married Dorothy Ball in 1957, and they were blessed with many children.In 1979, he was appointed by Governor George Nigh as the Oklahoma State Labor Commissioner, and served eight years in that position. Bill was elected for House District 92 as an Oklahoma State Representative and served for 16 years. He authored and co-authored over 200 bills for the House. Bill retired from the House of Representatives in 2005.He was a member of Southern Oaks Free Will Baptist Church for over 50 years, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and serving as Treasurer. Bill was currently a member of Heartland Free Will Baptist Church.Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (Ball) Paulk; sister-in-law Maxine Paulk of Oklahoma City; daughters Frances Harley of Alaska and Liz Patterson (husband Lionel) of Lubbock, Texas; sons Jon Paulk (wife Shelly) of Newalla, OK and Fred Paulk (wife Theresa) of Meeker, OK; great-granddaughter Hope Powell, nephew Lee Ball and niece Mary McClung whom they helped raise; 10 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert (Bob) Paulk and son, Steven Paulk.