Obituary for Richard Kihega

Richard George Kihega Jr.

January 24, 1943 – November 5, 2015

On November 5, 2015, Richard George Kihega, Jr. ”Junior” passed away peacefully in Norman, Oklahoma. Richard was 72 years of age.

Richard was born on January 24th, 1943 in Ponca City. He graduated from Red Rock High School. He met Angela Taylor in Tulsa and they married on June 12th, 1976 in Claremore. Richard was a veteran of the Air Force. He worked many years as a machinist and retired after 32 years from Tinker Air Force base in 2007. Following retirement he was appointed to the Otoe-Missouria Gaming Commission.

Richard was an ordained deacon in the Baptist church. He and his wife worked to teach their children the importance of serving Christ and in being connected and involved in their native culture.

Richard belonged to the Otoe-Missouria and Iowa tribes. He was a member of the Pigeon Clan and loved gourd dancing. Richard liked to joke and cared deeply for his family and others in his community. He was a very giving person and was especially dedicated to feeding people in his community. This was one of the prominent ways he enacted service along with supporting others including his grandchildren in their various sports activities.

He was survived by his wife, Angela Kihega; son, Michael Kihega and daughter-in-law Leslie Dean Kihega; daughter, Andrea Mann and son-in-law Taylor Mann; son/nephew Rock Kihega; brothers Harold Kihega, Charles Kihega; brothers-in-law Robert Taylor, George Taylor and JD Colbert; grandchildren Brooke, Breanna, Michaela and Michael Jr.; and special cousin Dr. Blue Clark. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Kihega Sr. and Bernice Saunders Kihega; brothers Roger Kihega, Carroll Kihega and mother-in-law Mary Colbert Gooden.

Wake services will take place both Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. at the Otoe -Missouria Cultural Building in Red Rock, Oklahoma. The funeral with traditional feast, also at Otoe-Missouria Cultural Building will take place Sunday at noon with burial to follow in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery. All are welcome to attend the traditional Otoe service and celebrate Richard’s life. Funeral services will be led by Oliver Littlecook. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Pallbearers are John Shotton, Darryle Rattler, Harold Barse, Darrell Kihega, Randy Kihega, Taylor Mann, Waylon Atkins, and Kit Colbert.

Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Kihega, Jr., Rick Billy, George Taylor, Ed Wilson, Billy Brown, and George Alexander.