A respected wrestler, William Peter “Pete” Reding, took his last breath on November 18, 2025, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the age of 78.
Pete is survived by his son, Jason Reding; his daughter, Gina, and son-in-law, Jerod Littlefield.
He was a beloved grandfather to his three grandsons: Lane Reding, Nate Littlefield, and Trent Littlefield.
Pete also leaves behind his nieces, Shelly Wilson and Shannon Klaus; his nephew, Scott Reding; and his close friends, Eric and Martha Hamblin, and extended family members.
Whereas Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary Reding, and his brother Glenn.
Born on June 29, 1947, in Geary, Pete went to Geary High School and graduated in 1966 as a state champion wrestler. That title meant a lot to him his whole life.
After high school, he headed to Washington state on a wrestling scholarship and married his wife, Sherry.
The couple then moved back to Oklahoma, where they welcomed their eldest son, Jason.
Shortly thereafter, Pete moved the family to California for a few years. Out there, he started private wrestling lessons and began a successful wrestling program.
When their daughter, Gina, was born, the family moved home to Oklahoma for good.
In 1974, Pete went to work for Mustang Fuel Corporation. He started at the bottom and worked his way up to superintendent at Calumet, a job he kept even after the company turned into Enogex.
What most people will remember Pete for is coaching kids. He and some friends started the Geary PeeWee Wrestling club, where several wrestlers ended up state qualifiers and champions.
The proudest he ever was, though, was coaching his own son Jason to two state titles and keeping the Reding wrestling name going strong.
Besides wrestling, Pete also coached softball and was always out there helping any kid who wanted to get better.
When he wasn’t working or coaching, Pete loved fishing, flower and vegetable gardening, keeping his yard perfect, watching OU football, and just being around family and friends.
He made regular trips down to Texas to see his daughter, Gina, and Jerod’s place in Lantana, and couldn’t say enough good things about his three grandsons.
Pete touched several lives, especially in wrestling and in the community.
The viewing will be at Geary Turner Funeral Home on Monday, November 24, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The funeral mass is Tuesday, November 25, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Calumet, with Rev. Boniface Copelin officiating.
Whereas, Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Geary, and Turner Funeral Home in Geary is taking care of everything.
During this difficult time, we pray for the strength of Pete’s kids, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, William Peter “Pete” Reding!
