David Richard Retherford, a resident of Henryetta, died Jan. 3, 2018 at his home in Henryetta at the age of 70. David was born Nov. 19, 1947 in Tulare, Calif., to William Joseph "Joe" Retherford and Wilma Blake Retherford. As a boy, David grew up in California before moving with his family to Colorado. He later moved to Oklahoma.
David served in the U.S. Army including a tour of duty in Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged after two years of faithful service. David earned an associates degree in Nursing and Applied Sciences from Connors State College in Warner. Shortly after he began working initially as a registered nurse at the VA hospital in Muskogee. After several years there he went to work with Robison Nursing Agency in Tulsa. He worked as a nurse in the hospitals of Henryetta, Okmulgee, Okemah, and Wetumka.
David married the love of his life, Linda Ann Remis Sept. 13, 1999 in Ft. Smith Ark.
He is preceded in death by his father in 1978, his mother in 2003, a brother, Ronald Lee and his wife Mary in 1984; a brother, Wesley Carl Retherford, and a brother, William Joseph "Jody" Rutherford in 2015.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Retherford of the home; a son, Bryon Retherford and wife Susan of Berea, OH; a daughter, Renee Steely of Live Oak, FL; a step-son Earl Poole of the home; a step-daughter, Sherrie Sloan and husband Rodney of Wetumka; a brother, Larry Dean Retherford of Welling, OK; Grandchildren, Thomas Poole of the home, Rickey Steely, Dalton Tiger, Logan Tiger, Payton Tiger, Sam Sloan, Anjaila Poole, Elizabeth Kelly and Lilly Kelly, and Kaylee Retherford; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family; and many good friends.
Viewing for David will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2018 from noon until 8 p.m. at Integrity Funeral Service.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Integrity Chapel with Chaplain J.D. Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army.
Pallbearers will be Thomas Poole, Earl Poole, Shawn Remis, Rodney Sloan, Amon Tiger, and Dalton Tiger. Honorary bearers will be Sam Remis, Jr. and Tommy Remis.