Richard Perry Morley was born on May 14, 1945, in Ness City, KS, to Ellis and Irene Morley. Richard passed away on November 3, 2022, surrounded by his children in Woodward, OK, at the age of 77. When Richard was in high school, his parents became ill and would later pass away. Richard was put on a train and sent to Gage, OK, to live with Beulah and Orvis Shafer, who raised him as their own. Richard loved Gage and remained there, serving his community. After graduating from Gage High School, Richard attended Murray State College. He later transferred to Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK, where he was on the track team and served as an RA in the dorm. Richard enjoyed all the people he met during his college years. While at OPSU, Richard met and married Leah Hacker of Balko, OK., and to this union were two children, Angela and Tyson. Richard graduated from OPSU and returned to Gage, where he farmed and ranched for several years before working for Ellis County in the highway maintenance department. Richard later married Nancy Cook. Richard retired from Ellis County after 32 years of service. Richard enjoyed serving his community and was a Gage Volunteer Firefighter for over 20 years.

Richard was best known for his service as an OSSAA basketball official. Richard officiated basketball games around the state for 40 years and was respected by coaches, players, and fans alike for his unique officiating style. Richard was selected in 1985 to officiate in OSSAA state playoff games. Richard loved the outdoors and spent many hours golfing, hunting, fishing, and following his kids and grandkids in all their events. Richard played men's league softball in his younger years and was a regular golfer until his health no longer allowed it. Richard played in the Shattuck men's golf league and many tournaments. After retiring from Ellis County, Richard worked part-time at the Shattuck Golf Course, where he could be found most days, only after having morning coffee (Dr. Pepper) with his buddies at the Gage quick stop. Richard is survived by his wife, Nancy Morley, of Gage, OK, daughter, Angela Rhoades, and husband, Tommie of Enid, OK, Son, Tyson Morley, and wife, Deena of Altus, OK, and Grandchildren Damian Rhoades, Garrett Morley, Emma Morley, and Olivia Morley, step-children, step-grandchildren and many dear friends. Richard loved his children and grandchildren dearly.

Memorials may be made to the

Gage Fire Department

C/O Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859.