Richard Wayne Stipes passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at his home in Bethany, OK with family by his side.

Richard entered this world on March 20, 1956, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, born to Robert and Nancy Stipes. His life was a story of devotion, care, and love.

He became a member of the Boy Scouts Troop 84 at the age of 9 and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout when he was 15 years old. In 1980, he married the love of his life, Sherri Weeks. He started his career as an independent contractor building homes (including the home he and Sherri have lived in for 40 years), churches, concrete work…anything requiring a steady hand and a craftsman's eye. He spent the last 4 decades doing contract work for Southern Nazarene University. He was directly involved with projects both large and small that contributed to the development and beautification of the campus.

Richard loved spending time with his family at Lake Eufaula. He designed and built a beautiful lake house that has seen many wonderful memories over the years by family and friends.

He lived his life as a faithful member of the Church of Christ and worked diligently in service to Him, and in raising his family to love the Lord.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nancy Stipes, and his older brother, Hugh Stipes.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Sherri Stipes; his sister, Jeanette Beck; his son, Brad and wife Aliese Stipes; and daughter, Hayleigh and husband Cody Bowen; and his four grandchildren, Carson Bowen, Jackson Bowen, Lyla Bowen, and Theo Stipes, who affectionately call him, Opo.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2:00pm at Mercer-Adams Chapel, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany, OK. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm, prior to the service

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Richard's name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association for further research of this heartbreaking disease. To donate, please see the link below.

The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.