Richard Anthony Justik

Richard Anthony Justik, devoted husband and father, passed away August 26, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was 86 years old.

Richard was born on April 4, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. In high school, Richard excelled on the swimming and diving team. He attended college and was later drafted into the Army. He served in the Army for 2 years and mastered skills in electronics, telegraphing, and judo.

He met the love of his life, Darlene Edna Wolfe, in Lockport, Illinois, while visiting her parents' farm. They were married on August 14, 1965, and had 3 wonderful children. The family moved to Oklahoma in 1980.

Richard worked in the trucking industry as an operations manager and auditor. He later retired as a local delivery driver.

He was extremely skillful and confident. He would use his natural talent, intuition, and creativity to accomplish any project or task at hand. Richard worked on cars, motorcycles, and small engines. He was also skillful in plumbing, electrical work, construction, leathercraft, ceramics, cooking, and gardening. He even made a full-size organ from a kit. He was very passionate about completing tedious duties independently with success. His talents allowed him to build structures, remodel houses, and achieve his dream of designing, building, and living in an underground home. While performing tasks, he made it a point to have his children by his side to teach them the how and why of what he was doing. He instilled hard work, dedication, and independence in his children.

Richard loved all animals. He had a variety of them, ranging from farm animals to pets, that always brought a smile to his face. Richard enjoyed camping in his Airstream, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, hunting for treasures at flea markets and garage sales, watching old westerns, and playing games on the computer. He especially loved dancing with his wife of 60 years. They could dance a wide array of styles with great ease that seemed to steal the dance floor. Their love of music and for each other was truly evident. We hope he is now dancing again.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Henrietta Juszczyk; and his sister, Sandra Moore.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Darlene (Wolfe) Justik; daughter Darlene Needham and husband Greg; daughter Vicki Oliver and husband Greg; son Richard F. Justik, along with grandchildren Dylan Needham and wife Kallie; Lauren Oliver and husband Reed Doss; Austin Needham; and Madison Oliver and wife Shelby.

His life will be celebrated privately by family.