William Ameen

Love you daddy

Bill, you done things on this Earth that continue to impact people in positive ways. You left too soon, but you are still doing wonderful things. You were a champion in life and you're a champion from now onward. You will not be forgotten.

Dear Ameen Family and especially Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your whole family growing up in Midwest City, and I hold you all in high regard. I remember how little Bill was compared to the rest of his brothers (because he was the youngest!) growing up. What a cutie! He turned out to look just like his dad. Please know that you are all in my prayers during this sad time in your lives. With my deepest sympathy and love, Kris Hanson Hinrichs

Mrs. Ameen, Peter, Robin, and Paul, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Bill. I have so many good memories of Bill and, of course, all of you. You, along with Mr. Ameen, were like my second family growing up in MWC and were always so good to me. I'm sorry to have lost touch for so many years - I've missed so much. Two daughters! I'm sure they were the "apple of his eye". My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Doug

To the entire Ameen family, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I am at a loss of words and don't know what to say to you to help you feel better. Please accept my condolences. I'll be praying for all of you. God Bless you all,

Even though Bill and I didn't 'hang out' at MCHS, he was family. I always admired him and thought he was a great example of what MCHS was all about. I remember hating to wrestle Bill at Ridgecrest. Bill is probably the reason I decided to quit wrestling and stick to football. May God rest his sole. We'll remember Bill always.

Tom and I were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing and wish to send our condolences to Mrs. Ameen, Robin, Peter, Paul and his daughters. We know your hearts are breaking right now and hope that all of your memories will help during this difficult time. Growing up with the Ameen brothers brings back so many fun and wonderful memories. We will never forget Bill. God Bless all of you! RIP Bill Sincerely, Tom and Darissa Bishop

Coach Stan Abel sends his condolences!

Rest in Peace Bill. May God grant your grieving daughters, family and friends with a peace that passes all understanding. You were strong in life-you will live on in our hearts and memories. My oldest daughter is wearing the tiny diamond ring you gave me for my 16th birthday. You have a special place in my memories of MCHS.

We are so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you

First to share what someone posted elsewhere online: "I'm sorry to hear this news. I didn't know Bill very well but I worked with him a short time doing the concrete work on Swimming pools. I didn't last long in that job but Bill made sure that I was taken care of while I was there. A quick story. We were at Hilltop one day and we placed our order and along with his ice cream he ordered a Hotdog with nothing on it. I thought he was off his rocker. After we got our order, he took the Hotdog outside and gave it to a stray dog that was hanging around. It was that very moment I learned the value of Random Acts of Kindness. A lesson that has been with me for many years and helped shape me into the man I am today. I didn't ever get the chance to tell Bill what an impact that moment had on me. Someday I will! RIP Bill. Your work here is done. - Steve Sears" That story brought back my own memories of Bill doing the same "stray dog feeding" at Hilltop Dairyland and elsewhere too. At the time it was especially strong since we often weren't eating ourselves due to having to pull weight for wrestling. It also brought back other memories of Bill's compassion. Yes he could be arrogant at times, I mean he was a wrestler, eh? ;-) But much more often I witnessed him do very caring, humble and considerate things. Like his always being genuinely kind and respectful to my grandmother, helping young kids with anything and people who weren't necessarily with the most popular "in" crowd. I had not seen Bill since high school except for a one in a million occurrence while walking on a sunny day past a dark, tinted restaurant window in downtown San Antonio. After having seen me pass by Bill came bolting out a door yelling my name shocking the hedoubletoothpicks out of me. He still had the same boundless positive energy, movie star good looks and genuine kindness I remembered growing up. Most people never had to grow up in the shadow of, nor live up to being, "MCHS Sports Legends". And to his credit, even as the youngest, made his own way to being a two-time National Champion and in many other ways an outstanding person. It's great to see people coming forward with their own stories and personal experiences with Bill and the positive influence he had in their lives with his sharing, caring and being an overall compassionate, good human being. In memory of Bill - Energy can not be created nor destroyed, only transferred or transformed. Do not stand at his grave and weep For I he is not there; he does not sleep. He is a thousand winds that blow, He is the diamond glints on snow, He is the sun on ripened grain, He is the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush He is the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. He is the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at his grave and cry For he is not there; He did not die. My condolences to Bill's family and loved ones in this time of bereavement. May Bill's goodhearted compassion live forever in your memory of him, as it does with many of us.

My thoughts and prayers to the family. Bill was loved by many people, but especially by those of us who had the opportunity to wrestle with him. He was a champion in more ways than one, but always a friend and teammate first. He was always the best of the best, and he will be missed greatly by all of us who grew up with him in Midwest City. Bill was the reason I got into the sport, and he always found a kind word to pick up any of us up when we most needed it. I was lucky to have known him and call him my friend. He was a great competitor and a great champion. He made us all proud when we won the state championship and two national titles. We lost a very special person from the Bomber family, but his legacy lives on through his many accomplishments and his friends and family.

To the Ameen family: Having grown up in Midwest City, OK, living around the corner from the Ameen's and attended high school in same class w/ Bill's brother Robin, it is with a heavy heart that I heard of Bill's passing. My prayers are with all of you. May you be comforted in all the treasured moments you had with him. We all knew what a special family you were growing up, making us proud with your contributions to athletics on the field or in the gym, but you meant far more to us than that with your kindness, caring and compassion. May you always be blessed. Sincerely, Debbie Ritter

You were a good friend to me Bill and a great athlete. We knew each other since grade school. I'll never forget your smile and the way you made others laugh with your upbeat approach to life. Your life impacted many people in positive ways and you will be missed. I know you're with God now, and I look forward to seeing you again my friend in Heaven. I laugh when I think of our last conversation we had on FB when I asked you how long it has been since you got pinned, ever? You said, hey that never happened except when my mom would hold me down!!! God speed Bill.

So sorry to hear Bill has passed away. I live in New Jersey, no way I can make it to the funeral. He was a special person that I will never forget. He taught me a few things in life like how to stay cool under pressure and how to drink out of a Gatorade bottle and/or champagne glass.

In 1977 I wore thick glasses, had braces on my teeth and was skinny as a rail. The only thing that had developed was my nose. I had a strong interest in Ancient Greece which held my attention because they were wrestlers. This wasn't too surprising since weekends were spent being "Lane's little sister" and following the MCHS wrestling team around to various tournaments. I didn't have Elvis, the Beatles, Donny Osmond or Justin Beiber. I had...... Bill Ameen.

Bill was actually nice to me which I can't say about all of my brothers' friends. Even though I turned into an incoherent moron around him, he still said hi, unless he was preparing for a match, of course. The way he warmed up was living art. His pigeon toed walk, the way he lifted his chin and shook the hair out of his face, the determined, focused look in his eye.

When I turned 13, most of the wrestling team showed up at my house in time to sing happy birthday to me along with my grandparents. Bill arrived last, at which time I turned into a weak kneed nervous wreck. When he sat down right next to me, I swooned. He was the supreme birthday present! I choose to believe those 17 year old boys were there for me and not so they could have cake. I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe..... ;)

That summer my girlfriend and I ran into Bill at the tennis courts. He was very patient, shared his court, gave me tips to improve my game. Most importantly, he offered me Gatorade. It was new then, I wanted to try it but it came in this ridicules bottle with an opening the size of a champagne glass. I couldn't figure out how to maneuver that daggone bottle opening around the one thing Bill and I definitely had in common, a prominent proboscis. I gave it back to him a bit dejected and told him why I couldn't take a drink. He scoffed, looked me in the eye, threw his head back and took a big swig. I watched how he did it, asked for it back and took my rightful drink. Didn't like the stuff at all but he had taught me how to drink from that poorly designed bottle and to not feel bad about the size of my nose.

Bill had a certain goodness inside of him. It's really too bad we've lost it. Peace be with all his family and friends.

I was encouraged to share this story of Bill on this website as I did on another.

I'm sorry to hear this news. I didn't know Bill very well but I worked with him a short time doing the concrete work on Swimming pools. I didn't last long in that job but Bill made sure that I was taken care of while I was there. A quick st...ory. We were at Hilltop one day and we placed our order and along with his ice cream he ordered a Hotdog with nothing on it. I thought he was off his rocker. After we got our order, he took the Hotdog outside and gave it to a stray dog that was hanging around. It was that very moment I learned the value of Random Acts of Kindness's. A lesson that has been with me for many years and helped shape me into the man I am today. I don't never got the chance to tell Bill what an impact that moment had on me. Someday I will! RIP Bill. Your work here is done.

- Steve Sears

Bill you have always been my friend and always will be

Dear Amber,Bailey,Arris,Robin,Peter,& Paul, Our family is very sad to hear about Bill. Our prayers are with you, and he will not be forgotten. Bill leaves many great memories for everyone!Memories cannot ever be take away. They stay in your heart forever. We all went to school at St. Phillip Neri, Ridgecrest, and Monroney together. When we would go to the Country Club swimming pool, Bill would always have a big smile and laugh while dunking us, sisters , under the water. He always had a high energy. Bill will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you. Sandra, Nancy,Dana,Tammie,& Tom (Basarich)

Mrs. Ameen, Robin, Peter and Paul I am so sorry for your loss. I have lots of memories of Bill and your whole family from the Tubb Drug days. May God and your memories comfort you in your grief. I will keep you all and his daughters in my thoughts and prayers.

I had the pleasure of knowing all the Ameens, as they were THE "family" in Midwest City, OK. I knew Paul the best, but grew up knowing Robin, Peter, and Bill. Bill was the baby in the group and a great wrestler and a great kid. My heart goes out to the Ameens, as I know family was, and is very important to them. May God bless their family and relieve their pain.

We will miss Bill Ameen. I remember him as one of the personable kids growing up. We all had fun running around in the Ridgecrest area as kids. He was good at sports and had a great laugh. I used to watch him play ball and hoped to be as good at it as he was. Like most all the kids,I had lost touch with Bill over the years, but seeing this brought a flood of good memories from our youth. God's speed Bill.

Bill, you left us too soon. I remember you schooling me on the wrestling mat when I was in 7th grade and you were a freshman. We met up back on the mat at UCO with a little more evenly match circumstance. You helped me to become tough and by the look of your facebook, you called Jesus your friend. Well my friend, you are with HIM now and even though I haven't seen you in almost 30 years, I'll see you again in the presence of the LORD and HIS Glory.

Bill you will greatly missed here on earth i pray the good lord will care for you in heaven as he promises us. God bless you Bill.

I am still in shock at learning of Bill's passing. He is such a big part of my Ridgewood Dr. memories; what a big heart to keep up with all those older brothers and then be so kind to his neigh- bors. I'm sure alot of that had to do w/ his parents guidance. I will pray a Rosary Novena for the repose of his soul.

I am very sad to hear of Bill's passing. I grew up around the corner from the Ameen family and we had many many happy times playing football in the front yard. When we were growing up Bill was the youngest and smallest of the four Ameen brothers and usually got hurt during our front yard football games. Later Bill turned out to be the biggest of the Ameen brothers and was the most successful wrestler in the the family which is saying a lot. I haven't seen Bill in many years but I have a lot of fond memories of growing up around the family. RIP Bill, you were a great person. I know you went through a lot of problems but your heart was in the right place.

Dear Ameen Family, you were always a special family to so many people and it saddens me to know of Bill's passing. I know he is at the soda fountain with Bob making ice cream sodas. He was so kind and carried a special smile. Love and prayers, Terri Cardoni Derrick

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ameen family.

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was always smiling and brightening any place he was. Paul extra prayers for you buddy on this sad occasion.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

The Burkes family will always have fond memories of the Ameens who lived in our neighborhood. This handsome group of men, including Bill, will certainly be remembered for their athletic prowess as well as being all around nice guys. I specifically recall Bill being a member of a 440 yard relay team along with my brother, Jeff, in Ridgecrest Roadrunner days. My mother painted a special red, white, and blue baton for the quartet. I'm sorry for your loss. Pamela

I am so sorry to hear about Bill, please know that my thoughts and prayer go out to all of you at this sad time.

I went to High School with the Ameen brothers, (Paul was in my graduating class of 1976) and I wanted to leave a message for Robin, Paul and Peter, to let them know I am sending my love and prayers. I lost a sister in 2007, and I know losing a sibling is heartbreaking. Please know that I am thinking of all of you and sending my love. I am so sorry for your loss.

I remember Bill as being fun-loving "Little Ameen"! I can remember a wrestling tournament in Shawnee when I was in grade school and "Little Ameen" jumped into a pen with the school's mascot, a very large buffalo! He teased it with a "nanny nanny boo boo!" and then jumped back over the high fence squealing with laughter! I am truly sorry for your loss. The Carpenter and the Ameen boys go way back to the Ridgecrest days!!

We are greatly saddened to here the loss of Bill. He was a great Champion. On behalf of the Elrod Family please accept our condolences. Bobby Elrod