Richard Haskell Winfrey
Obituary
Richard Haskell Winfrey, 93, went home to his Lord Jesus and to be reunited with his wife and family again on July 28, 2020 at 12:15 pm. Richard, a native Tulsa citizen and teacher, was born July 7, 1927 to James and Miller Winfrey. He was welcomed home by an older sister Martha E. Winfrey also.
Richard attended school in Tulsa graduating from Central High School in 1945. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego and the Philippines’ during WWII. He did not learn to swim until he was in the Navy. He returned home to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from University of Tulsa in Music Education. He taught instrumental music in Okemah, OK 1950 to 1956 and then at Tulsa‘s Edison Junior High School for 26 years. He retired from teaching to become an independent contractor and finish carpenter.
He also taught private music lessons in his home during the summer months, and played trombone performing in the Tulsa Philharmonic, various churches and for Starlight Concerts which were held at Skelly Stadium at University of Tulsa.
This talented man married his wife, Clarice Bailey Hemphill, in Tulsa on June 4, 1949 at First Baptist Church of Tulsa by Pastor J. W. Storer. They were married 65 years and long-time members of Sothern Hills Baptist Church. The couple had three children, Cynthia, Keith and Susan.
Richard is predeceased by his wife, parents and sister. He is survived by his children, Cynthia and her husband, Gary Purcell of Stillwater, OK; three grandchildren and spouses; and three great grandchildren. Keith and his wife, Jean of Tulsa, five grandchildren and spouses and twelve great grandchildren. Susan and her husband, James Griffin of Tulsa, four grandchildren and spouses and seven great grandchildren. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by his children and their families.
The family held a private service.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I was in Mr. Winfrey's Jr. High Band at Edison in the early 60's ! He was always patient, soft spoken and kind to us and encouraging! .I was one of two girls that chose to be in the Brass section in my 7th and 8th grade class.( girls normally picked flute or clarinet back then) . Playing second cornet ,first being Jerry Webb. Then he needed a French Horn player for the ninth grade band in1961! I ended up going more into voice and theater in HS and College but still have my old cornet and did continue a musical path becoming a professional singer in the 70's! In one band I even played some cornet! and for years would go outside and play tapes on it on holidays ! My thanks to Mr. Winfrey for always encouraging his students. Such a nice man !Thank you to our Edison HS page for sharing his obituary ! What we don't know about people: that he served in the W W II etc.! I am sure this played an important part in his life as he seemed serious in his dedication for helping others and especially in inspiring a love of music in his students.. He led an honorable life and I send my sympathy to his children during this time of loss. Carol Soule Bell
Carol Soule Bell
Dear Winfrey Family, I had the honor and privilege to play trombone in the Edison Junior High band 1965 through 1967 under Mr. Winfrey's direction and take private lessons from him in his home. I still play the bass trombone professionally and owe much of my success to Mr. Winfrey's encouragement, guidance, and instruction. When I first began playing in 7th grade band I started on a Besson trombone we purchased at Jenkins Music downtown Tulsa for $30. It played horribly out of tune and one day Mr. Winfrey talked to me after rehearsal and told me I needed to get a new trombone, my response was I don't think my father will buy me a new trombone? Mr. Winfrey asked me for our phone number and said he would discuss with my Father. The next day when I arrived home from school my Dad drove me down to Saied Music Company and bought me a brand new Olds Opera Trombone which I still have to this day. Mr. Winfrey was a wonderful instructor, musician and human being. I wanted to let the family know how much I appreciated being one of his students and the impact he had in my life. I would also like to express my deepest sympathy to the Winfrey family for your loss. Don Smith Tulsa Symphony
Don Smith