Richard Carl Toothman

Richard Carl Toothman, life long resident of Prue, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2012, in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 74 years six months and five days. Richard was born on November 30, 1937, in Prue, Oklahoma; he was the son of Carl Morris and Opal Sylvia (Earnest) Toothman. Richard began his education in Prue and later graduated from Prue High School. Following graduation Richard joined the United States Army in March of 1959. Richard was a part of the 4th US Army 30th Artillery Howitzer Battalion. Following his honorable discharge on February 28, 1961, Richard returned to Prue, Oklahoma. He later began working for the Boiler Makers Union in 1966. Richard traveled throughout the United States for many years with the union. Later he continued working for the union locally in Oolagah as well as the Catoosa area. In November of 1999, Richard retired from the Union after 33 years of service. Following retirement Richard was not able to set around. He continued working and would still maintain a garden as well as work in the hay meadows in the evening. He would bail and haul hay for many people in the area; many times as a gift to others and sometimes for a profit. However, the one thing that Richard would do often was spread the word of God to everyone he knew. He was a former fill in pastor at Lynn Baptist Church in Pawhuska as well as Osage Baptist Church. Richard would also visit many of the shut-ins in the area religiously. Richard was Baptized on June 9, 1946, at nine years old and has been a member at the First Baptist Church in Prue for the past 66 years. Survivors are his wife Erma Lee of the home, two children Todd Toothman and his wife Kelli of Prue, Oklahoma, Annesa Dashner and her husband Jim of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; four siblings Charles Toothman of Prue, Oklahoma, Billy Toothman of Prue, Oklahoma, Wanda Gaye Goodman of Prue, Oklahoma, Bobby Earnest of Prue, Oklahoma, eleven grandchildren Briceton, Britian, Shelby, Harlee, Brooke, Kenadi, Dalton, Chyna, Mason, Jessy, Duncan; two great grandchildren Javin, Annalee and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. In addition to his parents Richard was preceded in death by his sister Luddie Belle. Services will be held 10:30 am Friday, June 8, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Prue, Oklahoma with Rev. Garry McDevitt officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.