Richard, 65 of Sapulpa passed to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at his home after a lengthy illness. Services will be Thursday, December 17th, 2pm at Smith Funeral Home, 1208 S Main in Sapulpa. The services will be conducted by the Sapulpa Elks Lodge.
Rich was born on July 31, 1955 in Gore, Oklahoma to Tom and Betsy (Phillips) Shade. He was in such a hurry to be born his mother delivered him in the car beside the road between Gore and Knotchee town. Rich attended Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He met his wife Paulette (Bucket) Watashe and they married June 9, 1973. It was a marriage of two tribal nations, Rich being Full Blood Cherokee and Bucket being Full Blood Creek. Bucket’s father had his concerns about mixing blood lines however after a few years he accepted the marriage. Rich and Bucket made their home in Sapulpa and raised two daughters Wynona (Nonie) born December 25, 1973 and Quanah born December 18, 1981.
Rich attended OSU technical school to become a service tech. He was mechanically inclined and could repair about any appliance. Customers and family would describe a noise and he could diagnose the problem earning him the title of Dr. Shade. He worked at Sears for 37 years until his health forced him into early retirement.
Rich was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge BPOE #1118, 24 S Poplar Street in Sapulpa. He advanced within the Lodge to being named Exalted Ruler. Rich and Bucket enjoyed many good times at the Lodge attending meetings and social events. They were able to put two of their interests together which included playing golf and the lodge. At times competing against one another on separate teams. Ken Douglas will remember being on Rich’s team and Bucket teasing her husband with a “Hi Richie” to distract him. Rich and Bucket have always been over the top fans of OU football wearing fan gear and displaying memorabilia thru out their home.
Rich is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bucket and his other woman Santha Comer who was his health care worker. Daughters, Nonie and Quanah of Tulsa, five grandchildren, Erica (Pooh), Andrew, Rachel, Jonathan, and Eli all of Tulsa. Also brothers; Jerry & wife Judy; Thomas (Burt); and Robert all of Gore. William (Bear) & wife of Tahlequah; Albert of California. Rich also leaves behind numerous family members, friends, coworkers and Lodge members.
He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Betsy and brother Emmitt.
