Richard “Dick” Franklin Dudley,
Jr., 77, McAlester community
leader, influential civil engineer,
accomplished runner, and lifelong
OU-fan, died peacefully at
his home on Friday morning. The
cause was kidney cancer.
Born July 20, 1935, in Hollis,
Oklahoma, to Lady and Richard
Dudley Sr., Dick Dudley,
Jr. graduated from Hollis High
School as senior class president
in 1953. At the University
of Oklahoma, he was co-captain of the OU
Track Team and set several state records.
OU ignited lifelong loves for engineering,
OU sports, and for the girl next door, Grace.
On June 6, 1959, Dick and Grace married
at University Methodist Church in Tulsa.
The newlyweds moved coast-tocoast
as Dick served our nation with
the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Service
on three ships as Lieutenant J.G.
In 1970, Dick moved with his wife
and their four children to McAlester
where he has had a far-reaching impact
not only on infrastructure but also upon
the careers of many younger engineers.
In 1983, Dick launched his own engineering
firm, Dudley & Associates, P.C.
which grew steadily over the next 30 years.
Completing projects for communities, the
private sector, and water-and-sewer districts
across Oklahoma, Dick played an
key role in the growth of our state. By the
1990s, he also became a long-term consultant
for projects in Virginia and Georgia.
Dick had a talent for not only seeing opportunities,
but making them. Among countless
other endeavors, Dick obtained the
grant to establish the 1-mile running track
at Mike Deak Field in McAlester. He also
secured funding for dozens of Oklahoma
towns to fortify roadways and water-andsewer
treatment systems, which garnered
both lasting friendships and loyal clients.
During his last 42 years, Dick generously
donated his professional services to his
church, Grand Avenue United Methodist
(now First United Methodist Church). He
also served as President of many
organizations, including McAlester
Economic Development
Services (MEDS), the McAlester
Foundation (Industrial Development),
and many others. He
was also an active member and
former leader of Community
Bible Study, a member of the Rotary
Club, the McAlester Chamber
of Commerce, and more.
Dick brought genuine warmth,
laughter, and joy to all who knew
him. He truly distinguished himself as a loving
husband, devoted father and grandfather,
great friend, businessman, runner, avid reader,
and proud member of his community. In
all of these roles, he exemplified his Christian
beliefs and integrity. May his legacy continue
to inspire all of us in the years ahead.
Mr. Dudley is survived by Grace Dudley,
his wife of 53 years; children: David Dudley
of Sacramento, CA; Jeff Dudley of San Francisco,
CA; Susan Dudley-Spring of Bixby,
OK; Steve Dudley of New York, NY; grandchildren:
Hannah and Nathan; daughterin-
law, Connie, and son-in-law, Joe Spring.
He is also survived by: Lou Ann and Ben
A. Brown (his sister and brother-in-law)
of Cary, NC; Bill and Nancy Dudley (his
brother and sister-in-law) of Georgetown,
TX; and Andy Allen of Tulsa, OK (brotherin-
law); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Dudley is predeceased by his parents.
ALL SERVICES IN MCALESTER. Visitation:
Tuesday, 8am-8pm, Bishop Funeral
Service, 110 S. 3rd Street. Memorial
Service: Wednesday, 2pm, First United
Methodist Church, Carl Albert Parkway
at 3rd Street. Burial: Thursday, 11 am,
Oak Hill Cemetery, 13th & Washington.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Hospice of McAlester, 801 E. Wyandotte
McAlester, OK 74501 (Tel: 918-423-3911);
and/or McAlester Regional Literacy Council,
401 N. 2nd St, McAlester, OK 74501
(Tel: 918-421-4931); and/or New Sanctuary
Fund for First United Methodist
Church, 1501 South 13th Street, McAlester,
OK 74501 (Tel: 918-423-6136).
