Richard Wilson King

Richard Wilson King, 71, of Broken Arrow, OK, passed away on August 12, 2023. Richard was born on March 16, 1952, in Joplin, MO, to Woodrow Wilson King and Opal Irene (Phillips) King. He lived in Joplin until he and his mother moved to Pensacola, FL, before eventually settling down in Tulsa, OK, during his youth and upbringing. Richard was always athletic and involved in sports while growing up, particularly having a passion for basketball. His favorite pastimes included riding his bike and motorcycle around town, as well as spending time with his friends, with whom he remained in touch with throughout his life. Richard originally attended Will Rogers High School before transferring and graduating from Daniel Webster High School in 1970.

During his senior year of high school, Richard married. From this union, he became the father of 2 boys: Eric and Jarrod. His marriage eventually did come to an end in a mutual divorce. During this time, he worked as the general manager for a local grocery store. Richard then moved to Coeur d'Alene, ID, where he worked alongside his brother in the construction industry. He loved the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed living in Idaho, where he could easily engage in hunting and fishing in nature. Richard returned to Tulsa for a brief period before relocating to Florida, where he joined a construction crew and worked on multiple projects. After spending some time in Florida, he once again returned to Tulsa.

In 1979, Richard met Toni, the love of his life. They reconnected in November of 1988, and the rest is history. During the same year, he and Toni established their home in Broken Arrow, OK. Richard continued to expand his occupational skill set and became a master artisan carpenter. Together, he and Toni completely renovated their house before welcoming their daughter, Kennedy. He loved family vacations, particularly those at the beach, whenever the opportunity arose. Due to health complications, Richard retired in 2012.

A nature and animal lover, Richard enjoyed tending to his numerous aquariums, maintaining a Koi Pond, and nurturing a greenhouse filled with orchids and tropical flowers. He also prided himself on maintaining one of the most well-manicured lawns in the neighborhood. A true foodie, his heart was always with seafood, especially oysters alongside a good steak. Richard was an exceptionally diligent worker who found joy in his endeavors. He held a deep love for his family, always willing to go above and beyond for their needs. Furthermore, he had a penchant for cars, owning and enjoying Corvettes, as well as amassing a collection of antiques and Western memorabilia. While Richard consistently aimed to maintain a positive outlook on life, regardless of the situation, he wrestled with his health for a considerable period of time before passing away on August 12, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

Richard is preceded in death by his mother Opal (Phillips) King, his father Woodrow King, his sister Joyce Pfeiffer, and his brother Dan King. He is survived by Toni Lee Richardson, his best friend, and the love of his life for 35 years; his sons, Eric Potteiger and Jarrod Potteiger; his daughter Kennedy King; nieces, Kelly Cockrell, Kristi Tate, Jeri King, and Judith Smith; nephew John Cly, along with many friends he genuinely considered family. Richard also leaves behind his pets: 4 cats and his beloved Pomeranian Blaise.

Richard will be deeply missed and will forever remain in our hearts.

A funeral service to honor the life of Richard will take place at 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service: 5757 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145, with Pastor Brandon McCombs officiating.

Interment will take place at 12:00 PM on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery: 415 N Saint Louis Ave, Joplin, MO 64801.

Anyone wishing to send flowers for the service may do so by contacting Wild Orchid Florist and having floral arrangements sent directly to the funeral home. (918) 254-1819 https://www.wildorchidflorist.com/

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Tulsa Funeral Service.