Rick Worden

Ricky (Rick) Joe Worden was born at home in Nowata, OK (Not in a teepee as he claimed), delivered by his father, during a snowstorm on November 28, 1952, to James Ray and Hazel Jean Worden. He departed this life on June 22, 2025, and was welcomed into his eternal home, joyfully reunited with the loved ones who went before him.

Rick spent his early childhood in Nowata and Ringling, Oklahoma. When his family left Ringling, they moved to Pernell, Oklahoma. There, he was an all-around student and athlete. He lettered in football, basketball and volleyball. He was also a band member and involved in 4H. He graduated as valedictorian of his class. He made many great memories there in Pernell and loved telling stories about his high school days to his children.

Rick was the middle child of 5 kids. Tormenting each other and giving their parents a run for their money was their favorite pastime. He had a special bond with his siblings and loved his parents deeply. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He enjoyed family dinners and more importantly Sunday game night playing Pinochle and dominoes at his parent’s house in Lindsay.

In the fall of 1971, Rick enrolled at Central State University, however after one semester he was drafted to serve out his military duty. He returned from the military in 1972 with an Honorable Discharge due to injury. He re-enrolled at Central State University and completed his undergraduate degree in Social Studies in 1977. He stayed at Central State University and received his Masters of Education degree in 1978 in Guidance/Counseling.

Rick had a way with words and a gift of guidance. He used these wonderful traits and put them to use as the Youth Director at the First Cristian Church, Alcohol Treatment counselor at Saint Anthonys Hospital and in 1978 he obtained a position at Lone Grove Public Schools as the High School counselor. In 1982, Rick was offered a job at Maysville Public Schools as the High School Principal. During his time at Maysville, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma to get his Secondary Principal and Superintendent Certification. After 12 years at Maysville, he was offered the Superintendent position at Paoli Public schools in 1994 and continued to serve there for 21 years.

Rick loved working in the school system, and he was a firm believer in public education. He believed that a school is as good as the people who work in it. He strived for excellence and wanted everyone to do the same. He invested many years leading, teaching, counseling, and supporting countless children over the years. He would take time away from his own family to ensure he was wherever he was needed to support students. He was their biggest fan and wanted nothing more than for every student to succeed in school and in life.

Rick was the epitome of a “great man”. One of God’s most influential, selfless and loving men. Above all, he wanted to be known as a man of integrity. He believed that a good name was worth more than riches and he lived each day striving to be honest, dependable and true to his word. A man who just wanted people to “do what’s right” and to treat everyone with respect. He had a witty sense of humor and a laugh that was contagious. Rick was a lover of many things. He loved music, concerts, golfing, westerns, classic cars, board games and loved beating his sister Jane in Yahtzee (by the way, he got the last laugh, he won the Yahtzee tournament for 2024). So many things in life that he loved, his family was his most prized possession. He married the love of his life, Dianna, on June 7, 1983. He was already raising two young daughters on his own, he proudly accepted a new role as a father of 4. His 4 children were his pride and joy and spending time with his wife was his favorite. Anything from airport dates, going to concerts or just driving around enjoying scenery, no matter what they did or where they were, it was quality time together. He was his daughters’ safe place and the one they would turn to for all their triumphs and the one they turned to when life got hard. He never missed any school activity or ball game his children had. And as they became adults, he still would be front row for all their lifetime achievements and milestones. As much as he loved his children, when those grandbabies started arriving, being “Papa” was the best title God gave him and he carried out that role as he would anything else in life, 100%.

Papa and Grandmas house had rules but somehow the rules were completely different from raising his own children. Rick Worden became “soft” …The grandkids had him wrapped around their fingers and the way his face would light up when he would speak of them was priceless. He was proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren beyond measure. He was a very hands-on Papa, playing board games, playing in the kiddie pool, movie dates, taking them on day vacations to Arbuckle Wilderness and the zoo, giving rides on the golf cart and lawn mower, making homemade biscuits, chocolate chip pancakes and his famous French toast and doing whatever “the babies” wanted to do. Many sleepovers occurred at Papa and Grandma’s house and not once did they take it for granted. Each grandbaby was blessed to be rocked by Papa in his chair while singing “The Gambler”. His humor and tall tales were one of a kind and loved to “trick” his kids and grandbabies and they loved being teased. Papa’s house was “the house”. A house of endless snacks, endless fun, endless advice and words of wisdom, and endless love. A place that will forever hold the best memories for all grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife, Dianna, of the home; one son, Craig Ray and wife, Robbyn of Tishomingo; daughters, April Nye and husband Rodney of Lindsay, Kimberly Worden of Wynnewood, and Melissa Curry and husband Joe of Pauls Valley. Siblings, Jane Worden of Lindsay and Kay White and husband Frank of Katy, Texas. Grandchildren; Jaylin, Brooklyn, and Kyren Turner. James and Ashley Norman and Bryar and Haley Norman. Maggie Jones, Chloe Wright, Libby Coffia, Eli and Tanner Curry and Cactus Ray. Josh and Ashly Nye, Courtny and Zach Register, Shawntel and Michael Binard. Great Grandchildren: Berkeley, Baker, Kohen, Rynli, Maisyn, Levi, Langston, Logan, Kimber, Adyson, Harper, Chezney, Brooklyn, Tayt’n, Brock, and Karsyn and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jean Worden. Brothers; Kenneth Worden and Randy Worden.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Maysville Public Schools, 600 1st Street, Maysville, Oklahoma.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Maysville High School Auditorium. Burial at Maysville Cemetery under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family on this website.