Richard Lee Deeds

Richard Lee Deeds died on March 23, 2024.  Richard was born in Shattuck, OK on January 22, 1940, to his parents Eldred and Elva Deeds, who were schoolteachers.  Early in his childhood, the family moved back to their farm outside Sentinel, OK.  Richard attended school at nearby Rocky, OK (where his father was a teacher) through his sophomore year.  He moved to Sentinel High School for his Junior and Senior Years, where he graduated. 

While at Sentinel High School, Richard met his future wife, Sandra Clark.  

Following high school graduation, Richard initially attended the University of Oklahoma.  Due to homesickness (and missing Sandra), he transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK after one semester.  Richard married his high school sweetheart Sandra the following summer.  They raised two boys Mark (born 1963) and David (born 1966).  

Richard graduated SWOSU with a teaching degree with emphasis in School Administration (he also later completed his Master’s Degree at SWOSU).  He started his career in 1962 as an elementary principal, first in Medicine Park, OK and then Manitou, OK, before moving to Hot Springs, AR where he took an administrative job with the Job Corps. 

Richard also served in the Air Force Reserves – attaining the rank of Sergeant – from 1962 to 1968.  

In 1967 he returned to Oklahoma as a High School Principal, first in Mountain Park, OK and then Eldorado, OK before promoting to Superintendent in 1974.  He later became Superintendent of Schools in Erick, OK in 1978, where he remained until his retirement in 1992.  

Upon retirement from Erick High School, Richard and Sandra moved back to the Rocky, OK area to be near his parents and be more involved in the family farm.  

Richard greatly enjoyed farming, working on small engines, and “tinkering” in the garage.  While he was a School Superintendent, it was apparent he enjoyed unpaid “side jobs” at the school - such as mowing the football field and changing oil in the school bus - much more than he liked his “real” job.  

Richard loved “checking on the cattle”, playing with his dogs, predicting the weather forecast, and watching “cowboy movies”, particularly anything starring Clint Eastwood.  He also enjoyed  watching his sons play high school sports, especially football.  

Richard is survived by his wife, Sandra Deeds.  Also, by his son Mark Deeds & his wife Andrea of Yukon, OK; son David Deeds & his wife Tracy of Jonesboro, AR;  Grandchildren Mary Bullock (husband Stephen), Derek Deeds (wife Kaitlyn), Sarah Cullison (husband Jacob), Dylan Deeds (wife Abby) and Kylie Deeds.  Great grandchildren are Isaac Cullison and Camryn Deeds (due 4/29/24).  Richard is also survived by his sister Karen Wheeler, of Sentinel, OK.  

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for Richard on Tuesday, April 2^nd, from 2:00-3:30 pm, in the Fellowship Hall at the First United Methodist Church in Cordell, OK.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.