Richard Duane Ireton

Richard Duane Ireton, 79, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend left us to be with his Lord Jesus on Sunday, July 16, 2023 in Guthrie. Richard was born on May 2, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Harry and Hallie Ireton.

Richard was a Hawthorne Gorilla, a Classen Comet, and graduated from Central State College with a degree in history. Upon graduation, he began a teaching career that lasted 11 years. He initiated the Advanced Placement U.S. History program at Guthrie High School and coached boys basketball and girls golf. Richard left public education to become a land and right-of-way consultant and retired after 25 years with the Coates Field Service.

As a young man, he enjoyed playing softball, golf, and fishing. After he retired, Richard became a Master Gardener continuing to do one of his favorite lifelong pastimes, planting vegetables, flowers, and trees. He was also a Master Duplicate Bridge player. He belonged to the Lions Club of Guthrie and to First Southern Baptist Church of Guthrie. He was a sports fan and was a supporter of the Guthrie Bluejays and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys. Richard loved watching and hanging out with the grandkids, the apples of his eyes.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob Ireton; sister, Jean Golka; and niece, Christina Ireton.

Mr. Ireton is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Luanna (Wade) Ireton; his sister, Patricia Gage; his sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Elizabeth Ireton and Greg and Tasha Ireton; grandchildren, Carson Ireton, Camryn Ireton, and Daniel Ireton. He also has many nieces and nephews who hold a special place in his heart.

There will be a time of visitation on Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 2:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, 220 North 1st St., Guthrie, OK 73044.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, July 21, 2023 at First Southern Baptist Church of Guthrie located at 220 East Noble Avenue. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery located at 1808 North Pine St., Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Guthrie Animal Shelter in memory of Richard and his love for dogs and cats.