Land, Richard Edgel's Obituary
Richard Edgel (Dick) Land, 97, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025. He was born on May 11th, 1927, in Amarillo, Texas, to Thurston LeRoy Land and Ruth (Beaver). The oldest of five children; LeRoy, Harold, Gene, and Luenna. He attended Capitol Hill High School. He played tennis and basketball and received many awards. In his senior year he joined the Navy at the end of WWII and missed the prom. While serving, he played basketball. After his service, he attended OU, also playing tennis and basketball, receiving honors in both. There are plaques at OU honoring him!
Dick started working after graduating in Tulsa for Midcontinent Oil as a chemist in 1953. Dick married Helen (Poplin) that same year. They were blessed with three children over the years. Debbie, Denise, and David. Dad still played tennis and bowled in the company leagues. He won many trophies. He also went on many fishing trips. Growing up we went camping a lot!
Dad coached David’s baseball teams during elementary and junior high. He was a wonderful dad to all of us. As time passed and the grandkids started coming, he loved and spoiled each one.
He retired from Sonoco in 1988 as a refinery coordinator. He began playing tennis again locally, statewide, and nationally. Receiving national ranking!
In 1998, the oldest grandchild, Christopher, passed. Early in February 2000, his wife Helen passed from cancer. Dad was a great caregiver and comforter during these times.
In 2001, Dick married Betty, a former high school classmate, and relocated to Oklahoma City. He still played tennis, receiving national ranking. Even played with John McEnroe.
Multiple Myeloma struck him in his 80s, forcing him to retire from tennis. He survived two different bouts of that cancer. Also dealt with some others. The Lord blessed him greatly.
He enjoyed walking his dog Angel and remained active. We have had many happy times with Betty and Dad!
He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Helen; brothers LeRoy and Harold; grandson Christopher England; son-in-law Richard Feltnor; brother-in-law Lionel Bentley; nephews Brian Land, Gene Jr and Jeff Land.
He is survived by his wife Betty; brother Gene Land; sister Luenna Bentley; three children Debbie and husband Ken Olansen, Denise Feltnor, David Land and his wife Rebecca; 7 grandchildren Tina England, Kenny Olansen and wife Diana, Erin and husband Rob Hawley, Timothy Olansen and wife Angela, Andrea and husband Robert Biggs, Mathew Land, Brandon Land and wife Erin. 9 great-grandchildren Damian Harrison, Carter Hawley, Blaine McKee, Elora Hawley, Loana Hawley, Quinton Hawley, Kade Land and Sadie Land, Kirsten Land and family; Nephews Greg, Gary, and families, and nephew Alex Land. Plus, babygirl Biggs on the way.
He is also survived by members of Betty’s family, daughter Lynn and husband Jay, son Michael and wife Cynthia and a host of cherished family and friends.
We wish to thank Betty and her family for welcoming our dad into their family. We loved and enjoyed your mom, Betty. Richard loved you all.
The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to www.firstserveokc.org, a charity that was dear to Dick's heart.
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