In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Heart Association.

Raymond Paul Skrapka, Sr., entered into eternal life with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 10, 2022, after suffering injuries from a fall at his home on Christmas Eve. He was born to John and Helen (née Baranski) Skrapka on July 13, 1925, in Harrah, Oklahoma—the third of seven children and the eldest son. He was raised on the family farm near Dale, Oklahoma, where he helped his dad with the crops and his mom with a big vegetable garden that she would can. He attended school in Dale, Oklahoma. His schooling was cut short in 1944, when he was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II. (In 2001, Raymond received an honorary diploma from Dale High School in recognition of the War's interference with his ability to graduate.) After being honorably discharged, Raymond returned home to help his dad with the farming. In 1948, he and his family moved to the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Oklahoma City due to his mom's health. Through God's providence, they moved across the street from the Drabek family, from which Raymond and his brother August would find their wives. Grace Drabek charmed Raymond while he was playing baseball nearby with some friends. He asked her out to a movie, and their romance blossomed from there. They were wed in Oklahoma City in June 1951 and raised two children, Janie and Raymond Paul, II. In 1948, Raymond also began a 30-year career with the Street Repair & Drainage Department for the City of Oklahoma City. There he worked his way up from a laborer to Assistant Superintendent of the Department. After retiring from the City, Raymond worked 5 more years for Concho Construction Co. as a supervisor. He worked at many jobs all over Oklahoma City, but he was most proud to serve as the supervisor that dredged out the North Canadian River on Meridian Avenue and SW 15th Street to straighten out the river at that point. That area is now fully developed, with hotels and restaurants lining Meridian Avenue from Will Rogers International Airport to Interstate 40. After completely retiring, Raymond and Grace enjoyed raising a large garden and some cattle on their acreage near Wheatland, Oklahoma, and giving their grandkids a taste of farm life. Around 1990, they began attending Shartel Church of God in Oklahoma City. They also purchased an RV and joined the Roadrunners' Camping Club with many friends from Shartel. This past June, he and Grace celebrated 70 years of marriage. He will be remembered for his hard work, his devotion to family, his ability to never get completely lost, and his love for fried catfish.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two older sisters—Pauline Drew and Emma Dyer; one brother—August Skrapka; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his loving wife, Grace; his two children (and spouses)—Janie Riggs (and Shea Watts) of Oklahoma City and Raymond (and Janice) Skrapka of Norman; his four grandchildren (and spouses)—Stacey (and John) Imhoff of Albuquerque, Phillip (and Shara) Riggs of Oklahoma City, Marty (and Kelly) Skrapka of Norman, and Lacy Skrapka of Norman; his eight great-grandchildren (and spouses)—Nathan Riggs, Kylie (and Hayden) Sims, Hydie Boggs, Joseph Imhoff, Avery Riggs, Noah Skrapka, Joel Skrapka, and Eli Skrapka; his great-great-grandson—Liam Sims; one brother—Carl Skrapka of Oklahoma City; two sisters—Leonora Stramski of Oklahoma City and Christine Carmichael of Stigler; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.