Charles Richard Eldred

Charles Richard “Rich” Eldred passed away with his loving family by his side on Monday evening, July 8th, 2019 at the age of 81. Rich was born in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas on August 1, 1937 to Charles (Pete) Eldred and Kathleen (Kay) Martin Eldred.

Rich grew up in Sulphur Springs, AR where he graduated from high school. He went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas. Rich was a registered Engineer in the state of Texas. He worked for Warren Petroleum Corporation for 37 years, retiring in 1996. Rich’s work assignments included: Plant Engineer, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent in various Natural Gas Processing Plants located in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and overseas at Kuwait and Venezuela. In 1976 he transferred to Warren’s home office, where he held various Management positions in Engineering, Marketing, and Operations. Rich greatly enjoyed his career at Warren, especially the people he worked with.

On June 19, 1964 Rich married the love of his life, Katherine (Kathie) Sue Bates, in Lindsay, Oklahoma. The Lord blessed them with two wonderful children, a daughter Karla Kay Pinckard and a son Richard Eugene Eldred. Rich was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his family and loved spending time with them.

Rich enjoyed yard work, gardening, fishing, hunting, golf, genealogy, church, prayer groups and studying the Bible. He was an avid fan of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. He was also an amazing story teller with an incredible sense of humor.

Rich is survived by his wife Kathie of Tulsa, OK, his daughter Karla Kay Pinckard and husband Jerry of Flower Mound, TX, his son Richard Eugene Eldred and wife Becky of Slidell, LA; his grandchildren Shelby and her husband Tyler, Sarah, Nicholas, Chad, Chandler, Shannon and her husband Jeff, Brandon and Lauren; his great grandchildren Ryan, Owen, Emily, July; his sister-in-law Britt-Marie of Napa, CA, and a large extended family.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Kay and Pete, and his brother Ward.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Rich will be held on July 27th, 2019, starting at 1:00 pm at The Bridge Church (11929 S. Memorial Dr., Bixby, OK 74008). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bridge Church or “Teach The Children International”.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt’s Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.



“Gone to heaven. See you later.” - Rich