Richard Arlin Knight

Richard Arlin (Rick) Knight was born in Tulsa, OK on November 18, 1940 to parents G.T. and June Minnick. Rick became a Knight at age six when his mother's second husband, a wonderful man named Thomas Knight, formally adopted Rick as his son. Rick was raised in Tulsa. His family loved to travel, giving Rick the opportunity to explore the U.S. from a young age. In fact, later in life, an Alaskan cruise with his wife would complete his tally of visiting all 50 states. His favorite state to visit was Colorado. Rick graduated from Webster High School in 1959. From there he joined the Navy and served for four years as an electrician aboard the USS Whetstone. During his time in the service, Rick visited 19 foreign countries. Upon completing his enlistment, Rick returned home to attend the University of Tulsa, where he studied to become an engineer. However, partway through his education, he realized that he was made for service. Thus, he left school and joined the Tulsa Police Department (TPD), where he would spend 34 years serving and protecting Tulsans. While with TPD, Rick helped to develop TRACIS, a police records data management system that has been used by the department for decades. After retiring from TPD, Rick was Chief of Security for Drysdales Western Wear. Early in his policing career, Rick met the love of his life, Christina Willey, on a blind date. They were married eleven months later. The two shared nearly 60 years together. Their marriage produced two sons: Christopher Arlin and Stephen. Rick was an active member of Central Church of the Nazarene. He served his church in many ways over the years: as a board member, boys' Sunday School teacher, and Facilities Manager. He sang in the choir and helped with lawn care. He participated in missions trips to Trinidad and Sicily, and he was involved in his adult Sunday School class in any way he was needed. Rick loved the Lord and his church. Rick served his community by donating over 600 units of blood and blood products to the American Red Cross. They awarded him a trip to Washington D.C. to meet the President and be part of a promotional film for their organization. Rick enjoyed being involved in his sons' activities. He camped and hiked with the Boy Scouts, cheered on Stephen at Special Olympics events, and supported Arlin's efforts in science fair competitions. He rode in the Freewheel across Oklahoma bicycle tour with his sons. Rick enjoyed spending time with his grandsons. He was the hit of the elementary school whenever he showed up in his 1940 Ford to pick up the kids. He loved his friends, playing double twelve dominoes, and reading. His homemade ice cream was a staple of family gatherings. Rick passed from this earthly life into eternal life on February 13, 2026 at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Christopher Arlin. He is survived by his wife Chris, son Stephen, grandsons Jeffrey and Timothy, daughter-in-law Christina, and many cousins and friends. He will be missed. Funeral service will be 11AM, Friday, February 20, 2026 at Central Church of the Nazarene, 7291 East 81st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma with viewing being at the church prior to the service.

Richard Arlin Knight

November 18, 1940 - February 13, 2026