Richard Andrew Coward

Richard A. “Dick” Coward 88, passed away December 11, 2014 in Oklahoma City. He was born, December 4, 1926 to Andrew and Ella (Parker) Coward in North Long Beach, California. His parents precede him in death as does his three sisters; Alice, Bess, and June, three brothers; Dan, Shep and Mike who left many nieces and nephews to love him.

Eighteen years with wife Beverley produced two daughters; Jeanne (Mike) Hoff and Julie and (Gary) Keeton. Grandchildren; Kristi of California and Gary (Natalie) of Texas. He later married Virginia (Claxton) Geddes and gained four step children; Sharon, Sandy Stephanie, and Jim and more grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. After 32 years cancer took Virginia. Dick later married Wanda (Barrett) Gaines Coward and this marriage granted him two more step children Billy (Lisa) Gaines and Kimbra Davis and four grandchildren for ten plus years of his life.

Dick loved to fly since the age of 15, and soloed at an early age with mentoring from Pappy. In Covina, Ca. while in high school he love drama and was called into service with the Air Force his senior year of school to serve in WWII and Korea. He loved visiting fellow veterans. He was honorably discharged then worked for the FAA for more than 30 years before retiring. Dick was mostly self-taught and certified to fly helicopters on up to the big planes like airline transports, but he enjoyed helicopters the best and he also enjoyed riding his motorcycle.

He gave his heart to the Lord in the 90’s and served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for the remainder of his life and he invites everyone to meet him in Heaven.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Chapel Hill Memorial Funeral Home 8701 NW Expressway from 4-6 p.m. with Funeral Services to be held Monday, December 15, 2014 at Northwest Christian Center 8601 N. Council Road, OKC. Interment service with military honors follows at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.