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Ainsworth
Richard Neal Ainsworth, 84, of Norman, Okla. was born in Plainview, Texas on June 14, 1935 and joined his Lord and Savior on May 15, 2020.
Richard spent his early childhood in Plainview, Texas, and then moved with his family to Oklahoma City in 1941. After graduating from Classen High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at various Royal Air Force bases in England. Following his honorable military discharge, he attended Central State University. Richard later began a career at Tinker Air Force Base and continued his service to country in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, eventually retiring from both.
In 1961, Richard married his sweetheart, Mary Ann Lee. They built a happy family and were married nearly 59 years. Richard enjoyed being the father of three girls and was a committed family man with a dry wit, clever sense of humor, and was well known for his knack for story-telling. He and Mary Ann moved their family to Lake Texoma in 1981 and became very active with Texoma Southern Baptist Church, where Richard served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He enjoyed following OU Football, as well as football teams coached by his son-in-law, playing golf in his retirement years, and the blessing of watching his family grow. Because his birthday is on Flag Day, he would remark, “They are flying the flag for me today.” Richard’s life evidenced his love for God, country, and family.
Richard is survived by his loving family: wife, Mary Ann Ainsworth; daughters and sons-in-law Leslie and Greg Gothard, Ardeth and Brad Ludrick, and Amy and Chris Stephens; grandchildren Kirsten and husband Derek Martin, Dr. Cord Gothard, Forrest Ludrick, Marshall Ludrick, Avery Ludrick, Samuel Stephens, and Daniel Stephens; great granddaughter Addie Mae Martin; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard M. Ainsworth and Addie Mae Ainsworth, sister Ardeth Jones and brother-in-law Robert S. Jones.
A public visitation will be available at Watts Funeral Home in Madill on Wednesday, May 20, 12 - 9 PM, and the funeral home will limit the number of visitors in the facility at any one time. A private, family memorial will be held due to current public health concerns. Services will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
In memoriam contributions may be made in Richard’s honor to the Will Rogers Air National Guard Retirees Association, Attn: Gray Eagles Scholarship Fund, 5624 Air Guard Dr, Box 28, Oklahoma City, OK 73179.