Richard Derrel King

Richard Derrel King, 74, Choctaw, Oklahoma resident, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Richard a former Seminole, Oklahoma resident, was born March 26, 1946 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Uie Vick King and Naomi Elaine (Rhoads) King and he grew up in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Richard raised his family in Jacksonville, Arkansas during his service in the United States Air Force (USAF) and spent his retirement in Choctaw, Oklahoma.

Richard was a retired Chief Master Sergeant, Vietnam Veteran and was a 100% disabled Veteran from the USAF, where he spent 24 years in service to his country and served three 1-year tours of duty in Vietnam as an Aircraft Loadmaster. He received several medals and commendations during his service in the USAF.

Richard loved all things but had a passion for both flying and antique auto restoration. He was an avid aviation enthusiast and was both a private pilot and certified flight instructor.

Richard’s love of family was beyond reproach. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them, He was known for dropping everything he was doing whenever one of his brothers, sisters, children or grandchildren had a question, needed a helping hand, or just someone to listen. His wisdom on subjects like flying and auto repair were unmatched and even though separated by distance, his ability to diagnose a car problem over the phone, or provide calm, sage advice during times of uncertainty were always welcome. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do for his daughter and son. Richard was also a true patriot and his love of country was only surpassed by his love of family. This dedication to his country, led him to achieve the highest enlisted rank in the USAF, of Chief Master Sergeant. As a professional USAF loadmaster, he took great pride in completing the mission and reporting this status to his crew, seniors, peers and fellow loadmasters, “LOAD CLEAR”

From his family, his friends and his comrades in arms, Richard, Daddy, Dad, RD, GPRD, Grandpa and Chief, We Love you and we will miss you “Load Clear”

Richard is survived by his daughter; Kristy (King) Kotlyn and her husband James Kotlyn of Wesley Chapel, Florida and his son Michael King and his wife Sarah (Williams) King of Virginia Beach, Virginia, two brothers; Jimmie Lee King and his wife Wanda King of Shawnee, Oklahoma and Kenneth Michael King and his wife Elizabeth King of Choctaw, Oklahoma, two sisters: Etta Elaine (King) Caddell and her husband Bill Caddell of Granbury, Texas and Janet Kathleen (King) McKeaigg and her husband Jack McKeaigg of Jacksonville, Florida, four grandchildren; Chasten Kotlyn, Nathan Kotlyn, Sarah King and Ethan King.

Richard was preceded in death by his father Uie Vick King and his mother, Naomi Elaine (Rhoads) King, his brothers; Donnie Vick King, Dennis Leon King, Gerard Owen King and Gene Allan King.

Funeral Services for Richard will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, June 19, 2020 at the Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma, with burial at Little Cemetery, north of Seminole, with Full Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force.

Funeral arrangement is under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.

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