Richard L. McAfee

Richard McAfee Obituary

Richard L. McAfee, beloved husband, father, and pastor, went home to be with his Lord, Sunday, August 29, 2004, after a short and sudden illness. There is a quote by Ronald Reagan that says, 'Some people spend an Entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.' Richard McAfee didn't have that problem either. His life was spent in the service of God and of others, and he indeed made a difference. Richard was born to W. L. (Pinky) and Loreen McAfee on January 22, 1929, in Sapulpa, OK. He served his country as an Army Medic in World War II, married the love of his life, Frances Taylor on August 20, 1950, and graduated from OU. They had two sons, Richard and Rob. After hearing God's call, Richard left the hardware business in Okmulgee, OK, and went to seminary at Princeton Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, Richard pastored a small church in Plainsboro, NJ, until moving back to OK, where he pastored Greystone Presbyterian Church in OKC. Richard founded Covenant Life Church in 1979. Through the years, he spent countless hours counseling people, helping them find God's truth in their lives by listening to their hearts. His ministry branched out beyond OK to cities across the country, and to Europe, South America, and Canada as well. Through his ministry, he enabled thousands to find healing for the hurts of life, and those whose lives he touched would be forever changed. He is survived by Frances, his loving wife of 54 years; son Richard and his wife Jina, and their children Ryan (of Searcy, AR), Andy, Daniel, and Katie of Temple, TX; son Rob and his wife Julie, and their sons Samuel (serving as a Marine in Iraq), Thomas, Stephen, and Alexander, of OKC; brother Carlos and his wife Waltraud of Laguna Beach, CA; aunt Fay Dyer of OKC; as well as thousands of loved ones and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents. He will be missed more than mere words can say, but the impact of his life will go on to a thousand generations. '...He was a joy to all his friends -you should have heard him listen.' Services to remember and honor Richard will be held Tuesday, August 31, at 2:00 P.M., at Hahn-Cook, Street & Draper Funeral Home. Internment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park, 6001 N. W. Grand Blvd.

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Published by Oklahoman on Aug. 30, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard McAfee

15 Entries

September 24, 2017

I found this page yesterday, September 23, 2017, because I am writing a book in which I am telling the story of Richard praying with me one life-transforming occasion, and I wanted to double check the spelling of his last name. Now it is early Sunday morning, and I picked up my computer and started to writewhen my intention had been to use a document on the computer in my prayer time. I have been writing about the time, nearly 30 years ago, when as Richard was praying for me for a deep hurt, I heard my heavenly Father's voice speaking absolutely clearly to me. The Father's words were few, but they expressed a delight in me his child that goes way beyond my comprehension. Words that have brought tears to my eyes this morning as I "feel" today, my Father's delight just as I did when Richard was praying. As I was writing, I brought up Safari in order to look up a Scripture reference and, lo and behold, it was still open to this page. I simply had to leave a note. Thank God for Richard McAffe! it won't be long and I'll see you again, my older brother and friend.

Ann Rhodes

September 20, 2004

What a great older brother of the faith! I have enjoyed many fellowship times with Pastor MacAfee over at my grandmas house. He was such a personable fellow, truely a son of God and one to look up to. "May heaven amaze you, may God awe you, may Jesus wow you, may you fully enjoy all that God stored up for you and best of all, live life to the fullest there serving Father and His purposes with all the saints that have gone before! Thank you for your life laid down and your, 'Yes' to the Lord. See you soon."

Jerusha Myers

September 11, 2004

Pastor Richard was a tremendous blessing to me and the Jewish people. I got to spend some time with him when I first moved to the Oklahoma City area. A week never went by that I did not remember words of wisdom I received from him. I will certainly miss him and his pleasant countenance around Rosh Pinah Messianic Congregation. But I know where he is and will see him again!

Frank and Sandra Megow

September 10, 2004

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be,

so He put His arms around you and whispered "come with me."

With fearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away,

and though we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

We Love and Miss You

Frank and Sandra Megow (Sr)

Bill Wheeler

September 9, 2004

This is a poem that Richard enjoyed when he visited in Lansing.

Confessions to be Traced on a Birthday Cake

Lots of people are richer than me,

Yet pay a slenderer tax;

Their annual levy seems to wane

While their income seems to wax.

Lots of people have stocks and bonds

To further their romances;

I’ve cashed my ultimate savings stamp --

But nobody else has Frances.

Lots of people are stronger than me,

And greater athletic menaces;

They poise like gods on diving boards,

And win their golfs and tennises.

Lots of people have lots more grace,

And cut fine figures at dances,

While I was born with galoshes on --

But nobody else has Frances.

Lots of people are wiser than me,

And carry within their cranium

The implications of Stein and Joyce

And the properties of uranium.

They know the distance to every star

In the heaven’s vast expanses.

I’m inclined to believe the world is flat --

But nobody else has Frances.

Speaking of wisdom and wealth and grace --

As recently I have dared to --

There are lots of people compared to whom

I’d rather not be compared to.

There are people I ought to wish I was;

But under the circumstances,

I prefer to continue my life as me --

For nobody else has Frances.

--Ogden Nash.

Larry & Deb Eifert

September 6, 2004

Dear family and friends of Richard, what a shock to hear of his passing, a joyful day for him and those gone before him, but a great loss to the body of Christ, and Richards wonderful wife. We would first give our heartfelt condolence to Francis and family, then glory to God for the life of His servant Richard. He was and still is and always will be a great influence on our marriage, and the ministry he encouraged us to boldly step in to. Marriage for Life groups, taught in our area homes, where inspired by Richards vision and love for married couples.

Barb Boyd

September 5, 2004

Richard was such a dear and special part of our extended family here at NCCC in Lansing, and he will be greatly missed. He ministered to me and many others with his "hearing heart" and he wept with me a year ago at the death of our special friend, Shar - with whom he counselled many in our church. Now they are together once again - and worshipping their Lord and Savior for eternity. Much love and many thoughts and prayers are with his dear Frances and the rest of their family as they remember this wonderful and gentle man.

Heather Heminger

September 2, 2004

Mr. McAfee was the only pastor I knew for the first 16 years of my life... what a positive influence, example and blessing he has been. The words of this song say it best for me, "Thank you, for giving to the Lord - I am a life that was changed... I am so glad you gave." I rejoice now that Mr. McAfee is rejoicing with Our Father in Heaven, and I don't think he'll "winkle His Wobe" as he's nestled in His Royal Lap.

August 30, 2004

As 1 Co.15:26 states "As the last enemy, death is to be brought to nothing." And when that happens, there will be no more sorrow, pain, and tears of unhappiness. I wish your family peace. Offering my sincere condolences.

Robert 'Bob' Gary

August 30, 2004

A truly blessed man of God......Frances, my thoughts & prayers are with you..

John and Lila Buchenberger

August 30, 2004

I want to make a difference

in someone’s life today,

to walk the way of Jesus,

to say the things He’d say.

I want to make a difference

to those you bring my way,

with open heart to listen

to all that they may say.

I want to make a difference;

to take somebody’s hand,

to hold them in their sorrow,

to show with them I stand.

I want to make a difference;

to love without return,

to seek what’s best for others,

for this my heart does yearn.

I want to make a difference;

to cause someone to smile,

to lighten up their heavy load,

to go the extra mile.

I want to make a difference;

Lord, help me make a difference

in someone’s life today.

© December 2000

Lila K. Buchenberger

Frances, thanks for sharing Richard with us. He always listened and taught us how to hear with our hearts.

Pat Williams

August 30, 2004

Although I only knew Richard and his family for the last 4 years, I am so glad we touched each others lifes,however briefly. I always enjoyed talking with Richard when he came to the office. He was a caring and wonderful man and always seemed to enjoy life. This, he past on to all he came into contact with.

Rowland & Germaine Clarkson

August 30, 2004

Dear Francis and family. As Wim van Dijk used to say: "He has been promoted!" Germaine and i hope to see you soon. Richard was and is a major part of my life. We send our love and prayers. Rowland Clarkson

Jess & Carolyn Evans

August 30, 2004

We are SO thankful for our many memories from high school days, and for our recent time together. Love and Prayers

Marilyn Polsgrove

August 30, 2004

I am sure that the Father met Richard with a smile and said "well done good and faithful servant." What a Godly, kind, faithful man Richard McAfee was! He touched more lives than we could ever know just by his living example!

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