David Lee Richard
1959 – 2019
David Lee Richard had a generous heart, an extraordinary mind, and a disarming laugh. He was born September 10th, 1959, in Edmond, Oklahoma to parents Bert Sr. and Theaopal (Cantrell) Richard. He passed from this life on June 28th, 2019.
David attended Edmond Memorial High School and the University of Central Oklahoma, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was a proud Broncho alumnus. His professional life in the Information Technology profession took him to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Fleming Foods, the University of Oklahoma, and Hobby Lobby.
At an early age, David accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and pursued Him for the remainder of his life. He studied the Bible, led studies, and generously shared his knowledge. His shelves were lined with books reflecting his faith: several versions of the Bible, books by Christian philosophers and apologists, concordances, and fiction by authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. David went to great lengths to understand, follow, and share the Word.
David was a great hobbyist and collector. He enjoyed comic books from the time he was a child, and at one time had gathered a collection that would rival most comic book stores. When he was a teenager, David became an Eagle Scout, and earned every merit badge available in Boy Scouts at the time. As a young man, he participated in long-distance chess matches in which the players sent each other postcards listing each move. He was an amateur (HAM) radio operator and collected science fiction books, movies, and games, and was especially fond of Star Trek.
In 1991, David met the love of his life, Diana. During the early days, they bonded over rounds of speed Monopoly and episodes of Star Trek. They remained together 28 years, and during their marriage they shared a home in Edmond where friends and family were always welcomed. They enjoyed hosting family game nights, where the game enthusiasts would play the latest and greatest tabletop game David had uncovered, and everyone would enjoy the excellent food and company.
David was many things: teacher, protector, mentor, companion, brother, neighbor, friend. He was thoughtful and kind. He was deeply loved, and he will be sorely missed.
“Then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
—1 Corinthians 13:12
David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Diana (Roth) Richard and stepson Bryan Roth; brother Bert Richard Jr. and wife Jenny; sisters Eva Cox and husband Charles, and Cindy Richard; nephews Harley Cox and wife Heather, and Beau, Jake, Alex, and Hunter Richard; niece Katharine Richard; and grand-nephews Liam and Aidan Cox.