William Dennis Medlock I, 84, of Great Bend, died on June 3 at Via Christi-St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita. Born Aug. 10, 1927 in Jethro, Ark., he was the son of George Leonard and Julia (White) Medlock. He began working on petroleum pipelines moving with his job, coming to Kansas in 1942. He settled in the Great Bend area and had made his home here since, working for Thunderbird Drilling as a cable tool driller for 19 years until his retirement. On Aug. 17, 1978 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Sally (Krestine) Strus at Ozark, Ark.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Sally Medlock, of the home, Great Bend; a son, William Dennis Medlock II, and his wife Chelsea of Stillwater, Okla.; two brothers, Fred Medlock, of Howe, Okla. and Frank Medlock of Ozark, Ark.; a sister, Reba Horn of Ozark, Ark.; twin granddaughters, Gaea Medlock and Raica Medlock; and two step-granddaughters, Skyra Blackburn and Akia Blackburn. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Curtis, Clifton, Robert  and Harold; two sisters Theresa Tucker and Gelence Canada; a step-daughter Marla (Strus) Blackburn; and-his first wife Dorothea Medlock.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to 160 SE 1st Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, June 10, 2012*