Richard Van Haley

Richard Van Haley 82

July 9, 1942-November 16, 2024

Richard (Dick) Haley 82, longtime resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed on to eternity on November 16,2024 at home. He was born on July 9,1942 in Paden, Oklahoma to George and Aquilla (VanCleave) Haley. He is the twin brother of Stephen Dan Haley. 

He was known to everyone as Dick, a nickname given to him by his beloved grandfather Clarence Van Cleave. 

He grew up in Paden for the most of his life and attended Seminole High School where he met the love of his life Vicky Ann Thrasher. They married in 1962 and had two children, Robin Louise Haley born February 22, 1964, and Richard Dale Haley born December 28,1967. 

He worked 15 years with OG&E and then started his own business Haley’s Backhoe Service in 1981. He retired in 2022 but continued to help his grandson Chris King with their business together H&K Dozer.  He was a member of the National Guard from 1961-1965 and then again 1973-1975.  

Dick loved many things but nothing more than his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known as Papa to them and to them he was their hero. He attended countless ballgames and was always there to support and help them in all things.  He was an avid OU football fan and loved to watch the games with family. He also had a love for NASCAR racing and attended races with family through the years. He had a passion for building and driving rock crawlers and was well known for his “Big Red Jeep” he built from the ground up. He spent many days in the mountains enjoying this hobby and friends he made along the way. You could always find him out in his shop working on a project. 

He is survived by his wife Vicky A. Haley and a daughter and son in law, Robin and Bobby King of Shawnee. A son and daughter in law, Rick and Carol Haley of Tecumseh. A grandson Chris King and wife Dailyn and granddaughter Caitlyn Kahrahrah and husband Richmond. Grandson Devin Haley and Granddaughters Maegan B Haley and Meagan D. Hernandez and husband Jimmy, Erika Morris and husband Isaac. Great grandsons Cash Kahrahrah and Ezra Morris and Great granddaughters Naomi Morris and Anna Morris. Brothers Don Haley, Reese Haley, Stephen Haley, Phillip Haley and Will Haley and Sister Julia Plum. 

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Aquilla Haley and his brothers James Haley, Glenn Haley and Carroll Haley and sisters Geneva Bywater, Norma Haley, Donna Schoefer and Darla (Jayne) Matter. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 1, 2024 at Sharon Baptist Church Shawnee, Oklahoma fellowship hall from 1-4pm. It's a come and go celebration. Please come in casual wear or feel free to wear your favorite OU, NASCAR or Jeep shirts. These were his favorite things to wear. 

The family would like to thank Brother Clint Dawkins for his amazing care and support through this time and for many prayers with dad and us. Also thank you to Centric Hospice for their great care and compassion for us all especially dad.

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