Richard Kent Spring, Jr., a longtime Okmulgee resident, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in Tulsa at the age of 80. He was born to Richard Kent, Sr. and Ruth Lucille (Anderson) Spring on October 10, 1943.
Rick had many interests and passions, but he truly loved traveling in Europe. He took his family on a Rick Steves tour in 2001, and returned on another Rick Steves tour with his daughter, her husband, and son in 2017. He enjoyed several other Europe trips throughout the years as well. Rick loved spending time with his grandson, Spencer; driving to Oklahoma City weekly to see him for many years. And he rarely missed happy hour at Dee Hennigan’s house.
Rick served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He returned home in 1967, and in 1970, married Carolyn Morgan. After spending time in Stillwater for university, they moved to Houston where Rick worked for the Parks Department. They left the Houston area and returned to life in Okmulgee in 1978. They had a daughter, Morgan, in 1979, and a son, Evan, followed in 1982. Rick was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, serving on the vestry for decades and wearing many hats along the way.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Kent and Lu Spring and his sister, Kay Schmidt. He is survived by his daughter, Morgan Harris, husband Graham, and grandson Spencer of Oklahoma City; son, Evan, of October 10, 1943 – January 24, 2024
Norman; nephew, Wes Schmidt, and niece, Judy Schmidt.
Whether it was as a teacher, a social worker, a community volunteer, or through helping other veterans access their benefits, Rick spent his adult life serving others, working to give folks a hand up and access the resources they needed to live a better life.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation in Norman for helping Rick navigate the Veterans Administration benefits process. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Foundation to help other veterans get the benefits they’ve earned. Donations can be made here at www. dalekgrahamveterans-foundation. org/donate.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Okmulgee. A reception will follow at McClendon-Winters Life Celebration Center. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon- Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.
Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Rick’s Tribute Page at www. mcclendon-winters. com.
