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Richard Tarpey was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma on July 6, 1942 to William Paul and Violet Irene (Lowe). Richard graduated from Stillwater High School and went on to Oklahoma State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Poultry Science. It was at Oklahoma State University where he met Teresa Marie (Lackey). The couple married in 1963. Richard served in the Army Signal Corp as a Captain, spending most of his military career stationed in Western Europe. Upon returning home, he was hired by Davis Poultry Farms Inc. of Shawnee, Oklahoma. A few short years later he purchased the company—becoming sole owner and operator. After 25 years, Richard sold the company, but stayed active in local agriculture. He remained a big advocate of 4H, the farming community, and continued spending time with nature.
Richard remained an active and dedicated member in the community. He was a lifetime member of First Christian Church, coached all three of his sons in little league baseball, and sponsored annual church events and fundraisers. He founded a Ground-Hog Day meal and a Father's Day fishing tournament at the pond on his property in Dale. He lived the majority of his life in the Dale area where he and Teresa raised their three boys. After selling his business, he spent time working at Yellowstone National Park. He spoke fondly and often of the pristine beauty he was blessed to witness at Yellowstone. Once he retired, he spent his time driving for meals on wheels, playing bridge, gardening, and traveling with his family and friends.
Richard was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Teresa Marie (Lackey) of Shawnee, OK; children Randy and Mary (Ickes) Tarpey of Altoona, PA, Russell and Caapi (Mabe) Tarpey of Shawnee, OK, Rex and Kristen (Campbell) Tarpey of Apex, NC; grandchildren Karina, Campbell, Kyla, Olivia, Hayden Skye, Abby; and sister Martha (Tarpey) and Roy "Wimpy" Waters of Pawnee, OK. Richard was predeceased by his father William Paul, his mother Violet Irene, his brother Paul Rex, and his sister Mabel Jean, who passed only 8 hours before him and led him to his Heavenly Father.
Services are not currently planned, in lieu of flowers or gifts feel free to send donations to: Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, 205 4-H Youth Development Building, Stillwater, OK 74078
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