Richard Dale Funk

Richard Dale Funk of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed on Sunday, April 27th, 2014 when the storms blew in at 11:04 a.m. at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma after a long fought battle with cancer. Born on March 10, 1953 to Sidney and Marcella Funk of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Richard lived to be 61 years young because of his active and positive attitude. During Richard’s high school years he participated in FFA and Science Club, also working at a local gas station before graduating on May 21, 1971 from Mammoth Spring Public Schools. Later he worked at a boat manufacturing business before moving to Camdenton, Missouri where he was employed by Pizza Hut. During this time a girl in a yellow Camaro caught his eye and through the introduction of a local young man, Rance Libby, Richard courted and fell in love with his wife of 36 years, Sally Libby, Rance’s sister. Richard continued his employment with Pizza Hut in Paola, Kansas, where their first daughter was born; then moved to Gardner, Kansas and onto Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he opened a brand new Dairy Queen, and Sally gave birth to their second daughter. In Jonesboro, Richard became acquainted with Pizza Inn and in 1982 moved his family to Muskogee, Oklahoma to manage Pizza Inn located at 1107 North York. Richard began joining locals working on race cars and for years sponsored drivers, among many were Randy Bullard and Mike “Fuzzy” Withrow, spending many nights in the pits at Thunderbird Speedway. He became an avid NASCAR fan attending races across the country with his NASCAR brothers. The community and his family always knew they could count on Richard. He and some of his NASCAR brothers cooked for the Shriners; Richard also supported events, fund raisers and donated to Sadler Arts Academy where his grandchildren attend school. In 1996 Richard and Sally acquired Pizza Inn where his dream of owning his own pizza restaurant became a reality. Preceding him in death were his parents, Sidney B. Funk, Jr. and Marcella A. Green Funk. Richard is survived by his wife, Sally of the home; daughters, Shauna Marie Brown and Amanda Dayle Smith, both of Muskogee; six grandchildren, Kylea Jo, Immajen, Jaicee, twins – Sam & Sophi, and Saylor, all of Muskogee; sister, Peggy Lewis of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Brother, Jerry Funk of Wagoner, Ok. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and all his brothers and sisters in laws. Richard and Sally have always been blessed by many friends and that was apparent this past week by the support and devotion shown to them during Richard’s hospitalization. The family would like to take this time to say “Thank You” to all their friends and family who have shown their friendship, love and support during the loss of our loved one. A special “Thank You” to Betty Cowan and the entire Pizza Inn family for their devotion, care, love, and support during Richard’s illness. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April, 30, 2014 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Services celebrating Richard’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Cornerstone Funeral Home with Rev. Kelly Payne officiating. A private family interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Boyd, Mike “Fuzzy” Withrow, Dan Rice, Russ Henderson, Randy Lamberson, Charles Boyd, David Hix, Russell Branan, Bob Brown, John Edmonds, Billy Delay, and Jack Crow. And remember, Richard always said, “every day is a good day!”

Richard Dale Funk

March 10, 1953 - April 27, 2014