Richard Anderson Sr.

Richard Nelson Anderson, Sr., 90, of Oklahoma City, went peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. He was born May 18, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Norman and Mattie Anderson. In 1954, he married Sylvia Lorraine Gonzales, and they were married for almost 60 years.

Richard attended Euchee Boarding School, Holdenville High School and Haskell Institute. Just out of high school, Richard joined the Osceola Four Quartet and began his singing career. The group became regulars on a weekly TV variety program in Oklahoma City and recorded one song with “The Spike Jones Orchestra” who needed a quartet for backup on a recording. During this time in the 1950’s, the group also performed at concerts featuring “The Blackwood Brothers”, “Statesmen”, “Happy Goodman Family”, and others. The group split up after the tragic death of one of their members but reunited as a Trio in the 1970’s and began singing completely for the Lord travelling all over the United States and in countries around the world. In addition, as a full blood Native American veteran, Richard served our country in the United States Air Corps as a B-17 ball turret gunner during World War II. He worked many years as a welder and retired from Tinker Air Force Base in the 1990’s. Richard loved his country, his family, and most importantly, he love the Lord with all his heart and was a faithful serving member of Central Baptist Church.

He is survived by two sons, Richard Anderson, Jr. and his wife Lori, and Robert Anderson, both of Oklahoma City; two grandchildren, Jason Anderson and Larinda Crosslands; two great-grandsons, Joaquin and Jason Anderson. He is also survived by one brother, Rev. Jimmy Anderson of Holdenville, OK, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia, his parents and sisters Christine Anderson and Ruby Anquoe.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at Central Baptist Church, 1775 N Meridian Avenue, Oklahoma City with Pastor Leon Postoak officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Sunnylane Funeral Home.