Dickie "Dick" Gene DeFriese
1932 – 2023
Dickie Gene (Dick) DeFriese, 91, of Edmond, OK, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Born in Seminole, OK on October 19, 1932, the youngest of six, to Jesse Clinton and Alma DeFriese. As a standout basketball player for the Seminole Chieftains, he lettered and played Varsity all three years; and was often written up in The BIG CHIEF Seminole High School Newspaper with stories of scoring with his best friend Bobby Patterson. He graduated from Seminole High School in 1950, and later that year volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Force. After basic training in Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, he served at bases in Denver, Sacramento and Saudi Arabia; and was released with an honorable discharge in December of 1954. After serving his country for four years, he returned to Oklahoma to complete his education at East Central State College in Ada. He played on the East Central State tennis team and graduated with a Bachelor's degree of Science in Education.
Back from the service, he and his red Studebaker caught the eye of the love of his life and they were married August 10, 1958. He raised three children in Bethany and worked for Ciba-Geigy as a pharmaceutical rep for over 30 years. He had great relationships with the physicians he called upon and hosted many tennis tournaments showcasing pharmaceutical products. He went on a backpacking trip to Alaska, and also a bicycling trip through France with his physician friends. He was an avid runner competing in numerous Oklahoma Fun Runs around the State. He loved watching OU and OSU football games and loved taking his family to the mountains of Colorado at every chance. He would talk about his Lord and Savior any time someone would listen. If you stood still next to him long enough, you would hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Life events took him out to the countryside in Blanchard, Oklahoma where he brought Jesus to another family. In retirement, he studied the Bible through Bible Study Fellowship for many years. He enjoyed three trips to the Holy Land and included his remaining widowed sister, Lena. He had a very spoiled Horse named Rusty and he enjoyed working on the landscape and taking in the sunsets over the horizon. He was GrandPa to all of his grandchildren and step-grandchildren and was adored by all of them.
Eventually life brought him back to his family to live in Edmond, OK. Soon after, God also brought his best friend from Junior High and High school to live in Edmond. They spent many Mondays going to lunch and traveling back to their old stomping grounds to get a haircut or eat at the local diner.
He will be remembered for his kind and loving spirit, self-sacrifice, and integrity.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his sons: Bruce DeFriese and wife Patty of Edmond, Ted DeFriese of Denver, CO; grandson Travis Baker of Edmond, OK; granddaughter Jesse Blythe Skidmore and husband Samuel of Kandern, Germany; and grandsons: Jared DeFriese of Costa Mesa, CA and Jacob DeFriese of Fayetteville, AR; Great-grandchildren James Skidmore of Kandern, Germany and his new sibling on the way; nine step-grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are his two sons, three grandsons and his hometown best friend, Bob Patterson.
Public visitation will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home.
Services will be held Friday, November 17, 2023, beginning at 2:00p.m. at Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma.
To watch the slideshow please use the following link.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/RFY3NFPSCDC53W4B