Bill Biard

William Ray “Bill” Biard July 6, 1951 – March 9, 2025

Bill Biard, a beloved figure in the Claremore community, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, at the age of 73.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at First Methodist Church in Claremore. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, March 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at MMS-Payne Funeral Home.

Born on July 6, 1951, in Borger, Texas, to Claude and Adella Jean (Easton) Biard, Bill’s life was marked by dedication, hard work, and a profound commitment to his family and community.

A Love Story for the Ages

During Christmas break in 1972, while home from the University of Oklahoma, Bill’s life changed forever when a friend, Linda Massey, introduced him to Linda Tolstrup at the Sonic Drive-In in Bartlesville. It was love at first sight—Bill later turned to his friend Joel McColl and declared, "I'm done!" True to his word, he and Linda were inseparable from that moment forward. They married on August 10, 1974, and recently celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage, a testament to their deep love and unwavering partnership.

A Life of Hard Work and Dedication

Bill’s strong work ethic developed early. As a teenager, he spent summers working at a dude ranch named Rabbit Ears. His ambition carried him through his college years at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

His career in the food service industry spanned decades. While in college, he worked at Orin’s Pizza before moving on to Casa Bonita in Tulsa. His path led him to Taco Bueno in Dallas, a brief stint at Shotgun Sam’s Pizza, and eventually to Golden Corral in Claremore, where he became a partner and manager. Under his leadership, the restaurant was recognized as one of the company’s top 10 locations for several consecutive years.

In 1991, Bill and Linda purchased Hammett House, a beloved Claremore institution. With their dedication and vision, they transformed it into a community staple, known for its warm atmosphere and comforting homestyle cooking. For more than 30 years, Bill and Linda poured their hearts into the restaurant, creating a welcoming space for friends, family, and visitors alike. They retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and service.

A Mentor and Friend to Many

Bill was passionate about helping young people get their start in the workforce. He believed in hiring and mentoring young employees, offering them opportunities to grow and learn. His kindness and encouragement helped shape the careers and lives of many.

He was known for his friendly demeanor and ability to connect with anyone. Whether greeting patrons at Hammett House or striking up a conversation with a stranger, Bill had a rare gift for making people feel welcome.

Despite his busy career, family was always his priority. He was an involved and loving father, proudly following his sons’ activities, coaching their baseball teams, and supporting their scouting projects. Both of his sons, Matt and Chris, ultimately chose careers in the restaurant industry—despite his best efforts to steer them in another direction. Though he may have tried to persuade them otherwise, he was incredibly proud of their accomplishments, never missing an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen just how much they had achieved.

A Life Well-Lived

Bill found joy in fly fishing, playing golf with friends, and cheering on OU sports. He took great pride in his beautifully maintained yard, a reflection of his dedication and love for his home.

His commitment to Claremore extended beyond his businesses. Bill was:

Appointed by the Governor to serve on the Will Rogers Memorial Commission

A member & past President of the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation

A member & past president of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association

A BancFirst board member

An active member of the Rotary Club

His contributions to the community were immense and lasting, making Claremore a better place for all who knew him.

A Legacy of Love

Bill’s legacy is one of service, generosity, and compassion. His presence will be deeply missed, but the impact he made on his family, friends, employees, and community will be remembered for generations to come.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Biard; his sons, Matt Biard (Kimberly) and Chris Biard (Emma); his cherished grandchildren, Eleanor, Blake, Maverick, and Rhett; his sister, Susan Pain (Larry); sister-in-law Judy Branscum (Joe); and nieces Julie Woodbury and Allyson Branscum.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Jean Biard, and his niece, Kathryn Pain.

Honoring Bill’s Memory

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to two organizations Bill was deeply passionate about:

Will Rogers Memorial Foundation (1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. Claremore, OK 74017)

Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation’s Scholarship Fund (OHF 1601 NW Expressway, Ste. 1910, Oklahoma City, OK 73118)

His life was one well-lived, and his kindness, dedication, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. The family would like to thank his care team from Traditions Hospice for their care and support.