Bill Bleiker

Bill Bleiker, 78, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at his residence in Abilene, Texas. Born in Texline, Texas, on March 12, 1933, he was the son of Vera Inez (Sewell) and Lewis Bleiker. In 1951, Bill graduated from high school in Clayton, New Mexico before receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Bill worked from 1964 to 1976 in Roswell, New Mexico as a cattle buyer before relocating to Canyon, Texas, where he lived from 1976 to 1990 and worked as a cattle buyer with Gene Redd. He then lived for 15 years in Hereford, Texas, where he owned and operated Beefco Cattle Feeders for five years. Since 2005, he had been a resident of Abilene. He married Imogene Bagley on November 20, 1954 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Mr. Bleiker was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hereford. His parents and two brothers, C. A. Bleiker and James Bleiker, preceded him in death. Mr. Bleiker is survived by his wife, Imogene Bleiker of Abilene; two daughters and their husbands, Janna Lewis and Gary of Dallas, and Jill Harris and Ed of Abilene; five grandchildren, Lauren Lewis Clark and husband Will, Evan Harris and wife Callie, Brad Lewis, Peyton Harris and Colin Harris; and two great-grandchildren, Hudson Clark and Hayes Clark. Survivors also include a brother, Bob Bleiker and wife Peggy of Hawley, and sister, Lola Mae Kehoe of San Marcos, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 18th at First Baptist Church in Abilene with Dr. Phil Christopher officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The family expresses special thanks to Dr. Melnyk and staff; Sears Methodist Hospice and staff; and the many family and friends who were supportive during his lifetime. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sears Methodist Hospice, One Village Drive, Suite 300, Abilene, Texas 79606; and First Baptist Church Foundation, P O Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604.