Richard Wesley Larney

Richard Wesley Larney, a resident of Henryetta, passed away at the age of 90 on Thursday, November 26, 2020, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 25, 1930, to Mitchell Larney and Fannie (Ditzler) Larney at his family home in Honey Creek, north of Henryetta.
He married Lola Mae Hall on June 14, 1958 and spent the next fifty-seven (57) years together until her death in 2015. Together they raised five (5) boys – three (3) sons Danny, Richard Jr & Mitchell Larney and two (2) grandsons Jeremy and Jason Larney.
He was a proud member, deacon and superintendent at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Henryetta. A dedicated and loyal servant to the Community, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, State and Country.
He lived everyday for God, giving Him all the glory for his life and accomplishments. During his final hours he continued to teach and display his faith, when his great grandson, Brison asked, while they lay side-by-side, a place where they shared many stories, hugs, tears, and goodbyes, “Papa, what’s the secret to live so long?”. His response was pure and arguably, best describes his life by all who knew him; a man of few words but his words meant something. His response was simple yet pure. He promptly replied, “God’s been good to me”. He loved God.
In his early adult life, he served the United States during the Korean War in the Army. In the late 1940’s thru early 1950’s he spent nearly four (4) years in Germany. After returning home he often told the story of hitchhiking from Atlanta, Georgia, walking through Burmingham, Alabama and Memphis, Tennessee to his home in Weleetka. He loved his Country.
He began working for the people of Henryetta in October 1956 as a patrolman. After working his way through the ranks, he was appointed Chief in June 1969. On July 25, 1974, his life nearly ended at the young age of forty-four (44). Four (4) fellow officers from various agencies throughout the county were shot in the line of duty. He was the only survivor. He continued serving as Chief until retirement on October 31, 1983. He loved his Community.
In the late 1970’s, he was honored to be appointed to the Muscogee (Creek) National Council where he was privileged to serve 2 (two) terms. During those early years, many decisions were made, and agreements executed that created tribal programs and validated tribal sovereignty that still serve the members and elected officials today. He loved his Tribe.
Throughout retirement he continued working and serving the public in various capacities. During these years, he and Lola Mae began raising two (2) young grandsons and continued raising them well into their young adult lives which explains why both continued working as Jeremy attended and graduated from the University of Oklahoma and Jason, well… he was responsible for keeping both Richard and Lola young at heart. He loved his Family.
In the early 1990’s, Richard was honored to be the first modern day Lighthorse Chief while serving under Chief Claude Cox administration. He continued to love his Tribe.
His life was truly dedicated to the people. He served as Chairperson of Law Enforcement Committee of the Eastern Oklahoma Development District which serves seven (7) counties in easter Oklahoma, two (2) terms as the Chairperson of Creoks Board of Directors, five (5) years on the Muscogee (Creek) National Council, a fifty (50) year member and past president of the Lions Club, past Noble Grand of Henryetta I.O.O.F. Lodge, past Worship Master of Henryetta Masonic Lodge and member for forty-seven (47) years, Host Committee for the State of Oklahoma to bring the Bill of Rights to Oklahoma City, Henryetta Councilman for six (6) years, Mayor of Henryetta for eight (8) years, served on the original board for the little league, pee-wee football and was a past director of Soap Box Derby in 1972, in addition to many other positions. He loved his State.
Most called him Chief, Councilman or Mayor, but those who loved him most called him Dad or Papa. His Family Loved Him.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Lola Mae Larney, parents Mitchell & Fannie Larney, three (3) brothers, Tom Larney, Fred Larney, and Sam Larney, two (2) sisters, Josephine Noah, Charlotte Swyden, and one (1) grandson, Wesley Ray Larney.
He is survived by his son, Danny & wife Anita of Henryetta, Son, Richard Larney Jr. & wife Paula of Henryetta,
Son, Mitchell Larney of Henryetta,
Daughter-in-law, Lisa Johnson (whom he considered his daughter), Grandson, Jeremy C Larney of Bixby,
Grandson, Jason Larney of Henryetta,
Grandson, Cole Larney & wife Samantha of Hoffman, Granddaughter, Dannielle Larney,
Granddaughter, Brittney McCarroll, Granddaughter, Leah Grisham & husband Charlie,
Granddaughter, Crystal Mayhew,
Great grandchildren; Callen Rome Larney, Brison Larney, Sunny Rai Larney, Attisyn Larney, Parker Ray Larney, Bailey Sue Page and Justin Page,
as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be from 12-8 PM on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Integrity Funeral Service and from 8AM – 12PM on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the Integrity Chapel with Rev. Terry Cossey, officiating. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.