William “Trace” Arthur Foote III

January 12, 1966 – June 8, 2026

William “Trace” Arthur Foote III, a faithful servant of God, devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, went to glory on June 8, 2026, at 7: 35 AM at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was 60 years old.

Early Life

Trace was born on January 12, 1966, at the Osteopathic Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late William Arthur Foote II and Joanne Joyce Foote (Espensen). Growing up, Trace possessed a great passion for soccer. He excelled as a goalkeeper, earning a sport on the Oklahoma Olympic Development Program (ODP) State Select team, and later poured his knowledge back into the sport as an ODP coach. Professionally, he was a skilled journeyman carpenter, he approached his trade with the same dedication and precision he brought to all areas of his life.

A Legacy of Family and Ministry

For 26 years, Trace faithfully served the local body of Christ in the Bartlesville and Dewey areas. He was the current pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Dewey, Oklahoma. A passionate student of theology, Trace deeply loved the fellowship of the body of Christ. His ministry focused heavily on reviving interest in Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection as it pertained to the purchase of His Bride. He placed his unwavering trust in Christ’s wise bestowment to the very end, remaining steadfast in faith and full of encouragement for others. Trace loved to make light of life’s circumstances so that they would not become too overwhelming, living a life anchored in joy and hope.

Fiercely loyal to his family, Trace lovingly supported his wife and high school sweetheart, Deborah. The two were married on June 1, 1985, and celebrated 41 years of beautiful marriage. Trace loved the outdoors, finding immense joy around campfires, camping, and fishing--especially alongside his beloved grandchildren.

Trace is survived by his wife: Deborah Foote; his five children: Samuel (Julie) Foote, Daniel (Faith) Foote, Rachel Foote, Gabriel Foote, and Michael Foote; his five grandchildren: Abraham, Eliana, Olive, Melody, and Emma.

He is also survived by his mother: Joanne Foote (originally from Minneapolis, MN); and his siblings: Gary Orosco, Pattie Pilant, Mike Orosco, Robert Orosco, Bunny Yekzaman, and David Foote.

Trace was preceded in death by his father: William Arthur Foote II (originally from Albany, NY); his older sister: Michelle Ann Orosco; his paternal grandparents: Williams Arthur Foote I and Lucille Foote (Giddings) originally of Bel Air, CA); and his maternal grandparents: Fred Espensen (born in Denmark) and Ann Marie Espensen (Eliason).

Trace is already sorely missed by his family, his congregation, and the community he impacted so deeply. To God be the glory.

A funeral service for Trace will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home in downtown Bartlesville. Arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Bartlesville. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.