Richard Ray Oldham, 58, of The Dalles, Ore., past away Monday, April 7, 2008, at his home. He was born June 15, 1949, in Stigler, to Harry (Dick) and Marie Oldham.Richard graduated from Stigler High School in 1968 and then served four years in the United States Navy. He earned a degree in drafting and worked for Conoco six years before returning to school at Oklahoma State University. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in civil and environmental engineering. Richard served on the school board serving as vice president in Allen Bowden Public Schools in Tulsa from September 1989 to May 1996. He has worked the last 24 years for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa, Kansas City, Mo., Mobile, Ala., Afghanistan and currently Portland, Ore.Richard is survived by his wife, Kimberley of the home; one daughter, CreCre Oldham of The Dalles, Ore.; two sons, Luke Oldham of Pensacola, Fla. and Mark Oldham and wife, Gretchen, of Chelsea, Vt.; mother, Marie Oldham of Burnet, Texas; three brothers, David Oldham and wife, Lynn, of Burnet, Steve Oldham of Enterprise and Keith Oldham and wife, Tracy, of Lubbock, Texas; and four grandchildren, Caleb, Dylan, Chloe and Liam, all of Chelsea, Vt.Richard is preceded in death by his father, Harry (Dick) Oldham and one brother, Robert Oldham.Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the First Baptist Church, Stigler, with the Rev. Negiel Bigpond officiating. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery, Stigler, under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory of Stigler.Pallbearers will be Jimmy Storment, Larry Godfrey, Sam Spears, Douglas Turney, Allen Hensley, Cliff Shilling and Robert Shilling. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Oldham and Taylor Shilling.Military rites will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4446, Stigler.
This obituary was originally published in the Stillwater NewsPress.
I spent a field season with Dick working out of the Conoco Spokane office in 1976. We were surveying and staking mining claims in NE Wash. I was just out of school and heading to WSU in September. He was a great boss, a great mentor & even more a great friend. I was fortunate to learn about life and work from Dick.
Daryl
August 01, 2019 | Spokane, WA | Coworker
We were privileged to have know Richard as a friend. Although our friendship was brief, it was memorable. He was a proud father and husband. We saw Richard a couple of days before his death and now as we recollect our encounter, all we remember are his twinkly eyes and smiling face. It is unfortunate that we will not have the opportunity to know him better, but we are grateful for knowing him at all.
Andy & Monica Carter
April 21, 2008 | The Dalles, OR
I met and worked with Richard in Afghanistan. He was kind spirited, friendly and always a cheerful man when we talked. When I needed a listening ear - I could go to Richard Oldham - and did - often! He spoke fondly of his little daughter and shared her photos with me. He told me about a vacation he planned with his family and was eager to return home to them. There is no doubt this "gentle man" will truly be missed by his family and friends. My prayers are with you and may God's...
Lorrie Lloyd
April 18, 2008 | Camp Zama, Japan
I first met Rich while we were both working in Afghanistan. We became really good friends. He was an easy person to like. There were no smokesceens with Rich. What one saw was who he was. He will be genuinely missed by those of us who were fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this time of loss.
Warren Cheek
April 17, 2008 | Savannah, GA
Richard was one of my dearest friends..he brought me light when I only saw darkness. He brought joy to my entire family and we miss him painfully. Richard, we have planted a tree in our yard to remember you by. Kim our hearts go out to you. Thank you for sharing Richard with us the past few years here in Mobile. Please know you and CreCre are always welcome in our home. May the eagle keep flying over you. We send our love and prayers to you as you grieve your loss. Love Rhonda, Alaina...
Rhonda Wall
April 17, 2008 | Spanish Fort, AL
Richard as ANA/ANP Program Manager; Kabul, Afghanistan
I knew Richard when he worked in KC district, and then again in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was a man very proud of his family, always cheerful, hard worker and mentor. He did love smoking his cigars. My heart goes out to his family, you have my prayers. He was a good man that will be missed.
Bev Stone
April 16, 2008 | Kansas City, KS
I worked with Richard in Afghanistan and have good memories of my deployment with him. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with Richard and know he will be missed.
Eric Aubrey
April 16, 2008 | Kabul, Afghanistan
Richard, as you said to me many times, "Happy Trails to You" until we meet again.....
Denny Tutwiler
April 15, 2008 | Mobile, AL
I served with Richard in Afghanistan and enjoyed his friendship. He was a great guy with a real down to earth attitude. He will be missed.
Rob Derrane
April 15, 2008 | Jacksonville, FL
