Richard Harjo

Richard Harjo, 86 year-old, longtime area resident passed from this life Thursday, September 5, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was born November 13, 1926 in Konawa, Oklahoma to parents Velma (Cosar) Harjo and Sundy Harjo.  On June 10, 1949 Richard married Elizabeth Deer in Seminole, Oklahoma.  She preceded him in death, after 43 years of marriage, on June 30, 1992. Richard was the plant manager for Quality Drum Company in Oklahoma City until his retirement.  Richard was a member of Snake Creek Indian Baptist Church located NE of Seminole. He was also a proud member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma (Eufaula Band). Survivors include; three sons, Sandy and his wife Delma Harjo of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Richard and his wife Karen Harjo of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bobby and his wife Tracy Harjo of Shiprock, New Mexico; two step-sons, Bill Tiger of Noble, Oklahoma, Charles and his wife Marcie Deer of Sherman, Texas; five daughters, Liz Wesley of Shawnee, Oklahoma, Linda and her husband Joe Gonzalez of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Birdie Martinez of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Grace Trevizo of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brenda Harjo of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two brothers, Luther and his wife Ruth Harjo of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Raymond and his wife Leona Harjo of Mounds, Oklahoma; one sister, Naomi Jacobs of Earlsboro, Oklahoma; 33 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and a host of other family and dear friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Sundy and Velma (Cosar) Harjo; his wife, Elizabeth (Deer) Harjo; one daughter, Bonnie McClure; two sisters, Abby Harjo and Louisa Billie; four grandchildren, Christian Lusty, Kutcha Harjo, Joseph Harjo and Kimberly Clark; and by one great-granddaughter, Ava Harjo. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 9, 2013 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Rev. Ernest Best will officiate the service.  Interment will follow at Snake Creek Indian Baptist Church Cemetery. Casket Bearers will be: Robert Johnson, Tyler Hockenberry, Jeremy Harjo, Michael Harjo, Josh Lowing and Raymond Lewis. Honorary Bearers will be: Richard “Jiggs” Lusty Jr., Wesley Romirez, Anthony Hawkins and Martine Carreon. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: September 9, 2013, 2:00 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel - Seminole located at 1001 North Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868