Richard Ganders, 77, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015 in Tulsa. He was born August 2, 1937 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clarence A. and Mildred Elsie Richards Ganders.
Richard married Martha Moss on December 29, 1961 in Tulsa, Oklahoma where they resided until his passing. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Ganders of the home; one son, Eric Ganders and his wife, Brenda of Mannford, Oklahoma; one daughter Cindy Duncombe and her husband Steve, of League City, Texas; granddaughters, Cassady and McKenzie Ganders both of Katy, Texas; grandsons Jeff and Stephen Duncombe, of League City, Texas, four great-grandchildren of League City, Texas; and, one nephew, Randy Beavers of Lebanon, Tennessee, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Evelyn Beavers and one niece, Becky Roberts.
Richard graduated from Tulsa Central High School and later the University of Tulsa with a degree in Accounting. He served in the Oklahoma National Guard from 1962-1968. Richard worked for various companies in the oil, gas and coal industries as an accountant as his primary occupation. He also worked in his parent's businesses for many years, in addition to his own personal businesses. Richard loved music and was a virtual self-taught guitar player, only taking lessons for a short period of time. He played in a band for several years playing at the American Legion, VFW, round-up clubs and other dances and events to save money to pay for Eric's college education. He insisted that Martha not work outside the home so that she could devote her time to raising Eric. As late as a few weeks ago, he bragged about what a fine job she had done in raising Eric. And, anyone that knows him, would agree.
Richard was a member of Woodlake Assembly of God Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Richard had a true love for God. Almost everyone he spoke with, would get to hear a Bible verse or story. He had a massive collection of Bibles, religious books and music.
He had an amazing memory and also loved history, and more specifically, anything to do with World War II. He loved to read about and watch television shows about history. During the last few months of his life, he was looking forward to Spring because that meant it was baseball time. He especially loved the St. Louis Cardinals. Many of the family vacations included a trip to a major league baseball game.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25,2015 from 68 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home Southlawn Chapel, located at 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145.
Funeral services will be held at 2;00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th , 2015 at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel with Lead Pastor Rusty Gunn from Church That Matters in Sand Springs officiating. A reception will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery Family Center immediately following the service. The family has requested memorials be made to Clarehouse, 7617 South Mingo Road, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74l33.