Richard Rhine "Rip" Dawley

Richard Rhine “Rip” Dawley, 93, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at his home in Chandler, Oklahoma.

Rip was born on Thursday, March 28, 1929, in Beardon, Oklahoma, to Glen and Marie (Rhine) Dawley. He graduated from Beardon High School in 1947. Rip served our country in the United States Air Force from 1950-1953. He was a veteran of The Korean War.

Rip married Shirley Lambeth on January 1, 1952. She preceded him in death in 1993. He later married Betty George. They were married for 29 years.

After his honorable discharge from the Airforce, Rip started working for Oklahoma Natural Gas in Beardon, digging ditches. In 1959, he moved his family to Chandler where he continued to work for ONG, retiring as an area manager after 38 years. After his retirement in 1986, he spent time working his cattle herd.

Rip was a pillar of the Chandler community. He was a past president of the Chandler Lions Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Quarterback Club, Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association, the American Legion, as well as holding a seat on the city council. He was on the committee to build the Chandler Golf Club, as well as a member. Rip was a member of Chandler Friends Church where he served as Church treasurer for many years.

When Rip wasn’t working or serving the community, he enjoyed hunting quail, fishing, and golfing. The four Dawley boys were known to be quite a team on the golf course. He was a “jack of all trades” in carpentry and mechanics. However, the highest titles Rip had earned were those of “Dad”, “Gramps”, “Poppy”, and “Pawpaw”. He was very proud of his family and loved being with them.

Rip was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Marie Dawley; wife, Shirley Ann (Lambeth) Dawley; brother, Nathan Dawley; his sisters, Mary Ellen Maloney; and Martha Jayne Rogers; and his stepson, J.R. Ratliff.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 30 years, Betty (George) Dawley; his son, David G. Dawley and his wife, Geneva Dawley; grandsons, David R. Dawley and his wife, Brianne Dawley, and Eric G. Dawley and his wife, Andrea Dawley; six great-grandchildren, Rhianne Dawley, Ella Dawley, Kevin Dawley, Gracie Dawley, Adeline Dawley, and Jackson Dawley; his sister, Jo Ann Robison; stepdaughter, Debbie Ratliff; as well as several nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to Chandler Friends Church in support for the Burundi Hospital in Africa.