Bj

BJ was a welder from the time he served on the U.S.S. Ajax in 1945 until he retired from Dorchester Gas Company in the late 80’s; yes, a welder at a gas plant, that tells you something of his skill. “Dad could fix anything”, and in his retirement years this ability was a blessing to family and friends when something broke.

During his service in the U.S. Navy, he experienced what would later give him the title of ‘Atomic Veteran’ by witnessing the Atomic Bomb tests Able and Baker aboard the U.S.S. Ajax near the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific in 1946. BJ was an active member of the National Association of Atomic Veterans and the National Rifle Association.

“If it’s not hunting season, you go fishing”, and both were his favorite pastimes; From elk hunting in Washington state, and salmon fishing on the Columbia River in Washington state to a quiet morning fishing for bass, catfish, and perch at the family’s local tank near Fayetteville, Texas, there was never a bad trip; not even the time he and a buddy ventured out into the breakwaters of the Columbia.

BJ’s greatest joy, however, was in the role of Grampa, and Great-grampa. Whatever the event, whatever the vacation, it was best if the grands were there.

BJ is survived by his son Bill E. Voshalike and wife Kathy Miller Voshalike of the Brushy Community and his daughter Elesa Ann (Voshalike) Boyer and husband Thomas Boyer of Vancouver, Washington; Grandchildren Crystal Marie Boyer and Thomas Boyer; and Great Grandchildren Alainna Boyer and Isaiah Boyer, all of Vancouver, Washington; and sister-in-law Nema Jo Hill of Cartersville, Georgia and his beloved four-legged walking buddy, Cici.

He was preceded in death by his wife Clara, father Joseph Columbus Voshalike, mother Willie Martice (Kurklin) Voshalike, brothers: Johnny and wife Joyce, Dean and wife “Dusty”, Bobby; and sister Betty Mason and husband Donald and brother-in-law George Schank.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held with Military Honors and the Gospel message by Cambrin Collins, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Eufaula. The service will be on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Greenwood Cemetery in Eufaula, Oklahoma. If you knew him, you know he lived James 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Memorials may be given to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Samaritan’s Purse, or the charity of your choice.