Noel Lee Richards

Noel Lee Richards, 85 Noel Lee Richards, life long Maud, Oklahoma resident passed away, Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at his home in Maud, at the age of 85. Lee was born October 19, 1929 in Harjo, Oklahoma to parents Noel Elvin Richards and Annie Lillian (Ryker) Richards. Lee lived in Pottawatomie county all of his life. After graduating from Harjo High School, Lee worked in the Oil Field. He worked 8 to 10 years as a steel worker for Capitol Steel of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and retired in 1990, after 21 years as a fuel control tester at Tinker Air Force Base. After retirement Lee farmed the land which he loved so much. Lee married Vera Dean “Midge” (Acree) Richards in Chandler, Oklahoma on January 27, 1958. He loved his wife and was close to his family. Lee was of the Baptist faith, and member of Trinity Baptist Church of Maud, Oklahoma.  He being a supporter of the Maud school system, served 12 years on the Maud School Board. Lee was a big sports fan, loved his grandchildren and followed them in their sports. His love for children went beyond his grandchildren to all children. Lee loved being with his family, taking them to the lake, fishing, camping and skiing. Lee is survived by his wife, Midge of the home; four sons, David Richards and his wife Vickie of Maud, Oklahoma, Robert Wade Richards of Maud, Oklahoma, Daniel Lee Crook of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Michael Dean Crook and his wife Shelly of Skiatook, Oklahoma; one sister, Ozetta Dodson of Seminole, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Dana Lynn Tafoya and her husband Dugan Tafoya, Deanna (DeeDee) Standridge, David Chad Richards, Craig Richards, Tim Crook, Tom Crook, Mike Crook, Mathew Crook, Cezar Sitkowski, an exchange student from Poland; 16 great grandchildren with one on the way. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Annie Richards, his infant brother in 1925, sister, Geneva Wanda Richards in 1926, brothers, Delbert Lawton Richards, Texon Chuck Richards and sister, Treba Ann Phipps. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at Trinity Baptist Church of Maud, Oklahoma with Rev. Marvin Kehl officiating. Burial will take place at Cummings Cemetery, Maud, Oklahoma at a later date. Serving as casket bearers are: David Chad Richards, Craig Richards, Tim Crook, Tom Crook, Mike Crook, Mathew Crook, Dugan Tafoya and Cezar Sitkowski. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Knight- Swearingen Funeral Home of Maud, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: June 19, 2015, 3:00 PM Trinity Baptist Church of Maud located at Hwy 59, Maud, OK 74854