Richard Truit Smith was born in Hanna, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1936, to Arthur and Verdia May Smith as the fifth of eight children. In May,1955, Richard graduated from Stidham High School, Stidham, OK. He then served in the army ranking sergeant and enjoyed being an instructor at West Point United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, before he was honorably discharged on October 20, 1960. Richard graduated on August 9, 1963, from Oklahoma State University School of Technical Training in Industrial Electronics. He also received accreditation as a refrigeration and air conditioning technician. For over thirty years, Richard worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Richard married his sweetheart Patricia Yvonne Davis, on June 1, 1962, in Hanna, Oklahoma. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony to all of us as they modeled what it is to cherish each other to the end. They welcomed their daughter Sheila in 1964 and their daughter Karen in 1966. And later, they welcomed ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Richard and Pat continued as sweethearts for 62 years. We are thankful for his life as a devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandpa.

Richard became a Christian when he was a young man. He was a committed Christian, and he and Pat attended faithfully at Sherwood Baptist Church for several decades serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and treasurer.

Richard Smith, 88 years old, went home to be with his beloved Lord Jesus on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, surrounded by loving family. His wife was a steadfast and devoted caregiver throughout his last year.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and May Smith; his brothers, Ireland, Eurvin, Robert; and sisters, Barbara, Audrey, and Carol. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia, daughter Sheila (John Gardner) and daughter, Karen Boydstun. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Krista Taylor (Kyle Taylor), Alyssa Esslin, John Gardner III (Sadie Gardner), Paul Boydstun, Brandon Boydstun, Jared Boydstun, Justin Boydstun, Jason Boydstun, Andrew Boydstun; as well as his sweet great-granddaughters: Isla Esslin, Avery Taylor, and Daisy Gardner. Richard is also survived by his sister Lillian Hale.

A Celebration of Life (Memorial Service) is at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at Sherwood Baptist Church, 3313 N. W. 32nd Street, in Newcastle, Oklahoma. The burial will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Hanna City Cemetery, one-half mile east of Hannon on EW125 Road, Hanna, Oklahoma.