Richard Eugene Kunkel

Richard Eugene Kunkel was born in Enid, Oklahoma, to Robert Eugene Kunkel and Jeanne Marie (Herrian) Kunkel on December 10th, 1950. Richard passed peacefully with his family by his side on August 22, 2025, after a long journey with Vascular Dementia.

A life long resident of Enid, Richard graduated from Enid High School in 1969. He attended OU and joined the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. He graduated from Phillips University with a Bachelor of Science in Business with an Accounting major. He worked as a bookkeeper and supervisor for Horne Oil Company for over a decade, before beginning his own business, Bison Property Management. He renovated many older houses both for resale and rentals.

Richard was very proud of his deep Oklahoma roots with his great-grandparents having made the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893, and making their claim in Bison, OK. He was the family historian. Richard was a wonderful grandson, son, brother and uncle and loved his family dearly. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, especially to Florida and Colorado. He loved all kinds of animals, but especially his hairless Xolo dogs and going to the Enid Dog Park with them.

Richard was a member of Central Christian Church, Sons and Daughters of the Cherokee Strip Association, and the Enid Leadership Class IV. He served on the Board of Camp Fire Boys and Girls and was a long time member of the Humane Association of Enid and other volunteer organizations.

Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence Fredrick and Mildred Hilda (Morrison) Herrian and their infant son, Richard Harleth; Arthur and Hazel (Wagner) Kunkel; his parents; and his brothers-in-law, Dr. Roger C. Smith and Charles E. Hoff; and other relatives.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include sisters, Roberta Smith of Edmond; Ramona and husband Lyle Phillips, who Richard considered a brother, of Enid; and Maria Kunkel of Norman; nieces, Julie Hoff of Edmond; Jeanna (Jim) Davis of Edmond; Leah (Craig) Conklin of Jackson, MO; Sarah Phillips of Enid; great-nieces, Olivia Hoff and Annie Conklin; great-nephew, Matty Conklin; friends; and other relatives.

The family wishes to express great gratitude to the staff of Brookdale Southwest Memory Care in Oklahoma City who gave Richard such excellent care and quality of life in his final years.

Memorials contributions may be made in Richard's name to Enid SPCA, 116 Overland Trail, Enid, OK 73703.

There will be a private graveside service at Enid Cemetery, 212 W. Willow Road at a later date.