Richard Earl Squires, son of Everett Earl and Mable Emma (Gore) Squires completed his journey on September 6, 2023 in Weatherford, OK. at the age of 86 years 7 months and 22 days.  He was the oldest of four brothers and began his earthly journey on January 15, 1937 in the Lenora community where he was raised. His school days were spent at Lenora, Valley Center and later in Taloga where he graduated in 1955. Richard married the love of his life, Robena Lois Turner on August 5, 1955 in Taloga and always claimed "she robbed the cradle". Together they faced life's challenges for 68 years. Their lives were blessed with three children Rickey, Alan and Cindy. In 1955 and 56 they resided in Guymon, OK. and in 1957 thru 1959 Weatherford, OK. was their home while Richard attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he received his bachelor's degree in Education.

Richard wore many hats in his lifetime, from carpenter, teacher/coach, well driller, custom harvester and farmer.  He taught school at Oakwood for two years where he was the principal and coach for girls and boys athletics K-12.  In 1959 he began building houses with his father in law, Grady Turner. Richard was active in working with the Federal Home Administration in seeing the need for housing in Dewey County which resulted in half a million dollars being made available for families to apply for.  Water well drilling was a large part of Richard's life. Squires Drilling required side by side work with his father, brothers, sons, son in law and grandsons. They drilled irrigation, domestic, recovery and cathodic protection wells in six different states.  Richard served fifteen years on the advisory board to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and was a founding member of the Oklahoma Ground Water Association.  He was also involved in writing the state law that requires all water well drillers to obtain a license to drill wells and to receive two hours each year of continued education.

Custom harvesting also played an important part in his life.  Cutting wheat, barley and milo from Texas to Canada and hauling six to fifteen combines across the country was the norm.  During this time he had the opportunity to speak with Adolf Coors and obtain a contract to cut Beer Barley for ten years in Colorado.  He never turned anyone away that wanted to work and he made a big difference in many men's lives.  Richard gained many lifelong friends along the way.  In 1981 Squires Custom Cutting was one of the customer cutting outfits that was featured in a book called "Custom Combining on the Great Plains."

In 1982, he began a new venture by building and operating a vegetable processing plant in the Hydro/Eakly area.  A variety of fruits and vegetables were raised and sold and during harvest time up to 300 people would be employed.

In the early 90's Richard and Lois purchased three quarters of land in Erick, OK. where they raised peanuts and alfalfa, again working side by side with his sons, son in law and the women in the family.  As the irrigation potential had not been realized in that area, the Squires' family drilled 25 irrigation wells for friends and neighbors, resulting in a large economic impact in the Erick area.

Richard was baptized in 1952 and was a member of the Taloga Christian Church where he served as an elder and was a member of the church board.  He was also inducted into the Dewey County Hall of Fame, an honor he was very proud of.  He never lost his love for basketball and yearly trips to the high school state tournament with his brothers and cousins made many memories.  He was very proud of his grand kids and great grands and their accomplishments.  He enjoyed watching them play sports and attending their activities.

For the most part his only hobby was 'work'.   He did, however, love to dance and did so every chance he got.  He also spent time perfecting his domino playing skills and being a 'gopher' for Rickey, Alan and Scotty.

Faith, family, education and a strong work ethic made Richard a man that leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his parents Everett and Mabel Squires, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other loved ones.

His memory will be cherished by his beloved wife Robena 'Lois' Squires, his children Rickey Squires and his wife Deana, Alan Squires and his wife Barbara and Cindy Vanderwork and her husband Scotty all of Taloga, OK., six grand children and eleven great grandchildren.  His brothers Carlos Squires and his wife Paula of Alfalfa, OK., Ronnie Squires and his wife Ruthann of Woodward, OK. and Donnie Squires and his wife Connie of Hobart, OK.  Two nieces, five nephews, other relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Memorials may be made to either the:

Mound Cemetery or Taloga Senior Citizens

C/O Shaw Funeral Home

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