Richard Walker was born on July 25th, 1937 in Eldon, Oklahoma to his parents, Addie Mae and Richard D. Walker Sr. Raised in the hills of his cherished Cherokee Nation with his siblings Nonie, Robert, and Jeff, Richard discovered his love for all animals, music, and Cherokee stories. Richard loved living on Boudinot Hill but longed to see other places. When he saved enough money, he traveled to Colorado to work and live for a few years.

After sowing his wild oats in Colorado, Richard settled in Tulsa where he met the love of his life Kennie Sue "Suzi" Armstrong at the Pennington Drive in downtown Tulsa in June 1964. They were engaged by September and were united in marriage on December 4, 1964. In 1966, Suzi and Richard welcomed their daughter, Dana Annette. Richard and his "Dana Babe" became running buddies: traveling to his job sites, attending her bowling and softball games, or working together in the garage: her with her Easy Bake Oven, he with his hammer and nails.

Richard was a craftsman with his woodworking. He worked in construction, but his real love was making cabinets, tables and even beds for his grandchildren. After retirement, Richard continued working with wood but could focus on projects for friends and family. Richard enjoyed floating the Illinois River with his family and his friends he gained throughout his life. In 1992, Richard became "Papa Smurf" to his first of three grandchildren whom he adored. He loved traveling with friends and family, playing with furry friends, and collecting every musical instrument he could find. He never mastered an instrument but wanted to have them just in case he and his dear friend Jesse French ever got the band back together.

Being a Cherokee was an important part of Richard's life. He wore his tribal clothing with great pride. He would wear his full headdress and leather clothes and visit Dana's classes regularly. He would keep her students mesmerized with his tales of his ancestors in front of the handmade teepee he made for her classroom.

Preceding Richard in death are his parents, Addie Mae and Richard Walker Sr., his brother-in-law Ricky Armstrong and his mother-in-law Maxine Simpson. Left to carry on his legacy of memories are his wife, Suzi of the home, his daughter, Dana Morgan and husband Jody of Ardmore, his grandchildren, Landon Morgan of Ardmore, Lauren Morgan of Midwest City and Lane Morgan and wife Jordan of Moore, his great grandsons Miles and Leon Morgan, and his siblings Nonie Guinn and husband Larry of Bixby, Robert Walker and wife Ruthie of Tahlequah, and Jeff Walker of Tahlequah.

Richard had a special story of salvation. He attended class in a two-room schoolhouse where missionaries visited once a month. Richard said every week when the missionaries asked if anyone would like to go down and accept Christ, he always felt a tug at his heart, but the shyness would always win. One day, a missionary woman he had never seen before tapped Richard on the shoulder and asked if he would like her to walk down with him. He took her hand, walked to the front, and gave his life to Jesus. The following month, the missionary team returned but the woman was not with them. When Richard asked about her, he was told the missionary woman had passed away. Richard said she had been his angel for just that time. We are thrilled to know that Richard is back with his best friends and parents in the loving arms of his Savior!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Jude's Hospital or to ASPCA .

Viewing 12pm-8pm, Thursday, November 14, 2024 with family greeting friends from 6-8pm, both at Moore Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 15, 2024 at Moore Southlawn Chapel. Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233