Richard Klinger

Richard R. Klinger, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. He was 73.

Richard was born on June 6, 1936 to August Klinger and Thelma Mae Harden Klinger in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He grew up in Kildare and went to Kildare Elementary School. He was a 1955 graduate of Ponca City High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1959. He married Frances Pugh on September 14, 1962 in Kildare, Oklahoma. The couple raised two daughters, Kim and Cheryl. He was employed with Conoco Oil Company and retired after over 30 years of service. Richard and Frances moved to Paducah, Kentucky in 2005.

Richard participated in rodeo events from 1965 to 1962 where he rode broncs and bulls. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping in the motor home and remodeling houses. His main enjoyment came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Richard was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Ponca City and a current member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Paducah, Kentucky. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1201 in Ponca City. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Frances L. Klinger daughters, Cheryl Hazelton of Paducah, Kentucky and Kim Brown of Ponca city, Oklahoma ten grandchildren, Tish, Nicole, Megan, Tiffany, Heather, Amanda, Jessica, Natalie, Bobbie and Earl 22 greatgrandchildren, Clifton, Caleb, Ethan, Amelia, Darrin, Bailey, Jude, Drew, Eli, Miciah, Zane, Corbin, Ashlyn, Brytton, Cayson, Paetyn, Leryn, Carter, Tucker, Breydon, Parker and Adison great greatgrandchildren, Bryce, Graham, Regan, Luke and Pipper sisters, Wanda Morgan of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Linda Danner of Blackwell, Oklahoma and Doris Cray Craft of Davenport, Oklahoma brothers, Kenneth Klinger of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Doug Klinger of Bernice, Oklahoma numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, August and Thelma Klinger and one sister, Vivian Tipton.

Casket bearers for the service will be Casey Badley, Kalvin Beaston, Brian Ingram, Jason Farley, Clifton Gentry and Caleb Gentry.

Visitation will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel from Tuesday until 5:00 p.m. to Thursday 10:30 a.m.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the First Lutheran Church with Reverend Tom Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Lunch for immediate family will be at 11:00 a.m. before the service at the First Lutheran Church. Fellowship with the family after the service will be at the Browns home church, Faith Tabernacle in the fellowship hall downstairs side entrance at 5th and Ponca St. The online guestbook can be signed at www.gracememorialchapel.net .