Richard Lee Zirkel was born October 31, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas to the late Andrew Eugene Zirkel and Virginia Lee Phipps Zirkel.  He married the love of his life, Mary Sue Zirkel, on January 27, 1965, in Santa Ana, California.  He left this world to be with his heavenly father on December 6, 2022, at the age of 77.

Richard was a US Marine and served in the Vietnam War.  After his return to civilian life, he pursued a career in law enforcement as a California Highway Patrolman and an Arkansas State Trooper.  After many years as a public servant, Richard became an Insurance Claims Adjuster until retirement. 

Richard enjoyed spending time with his family smoking his favorite cigar and as many have said “solving the World problems”.  He was a man with a strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and did not fear death in knowing he would be united with the Lord and his forever love, Mary.

Richard was blessed with a large and loving family.  He was preceded by death of his wife Mary Sue Maness Zirkel.  He will be dearly missed by son Richard K. (Lee Ann) Zirkel of Whitewright; daughter, Cindy (Scott) Uber of Whitesboro; five grandchildren, Preston, Casey, Devin, Danny, and Caitlyn; five great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Thalia, Michael, Connor and Carly; brothers Terry Zirkel, Chuck Zirkel, and sisters Connie Perot and Sandra Cannon.  All of these he loved and touched deeply.  He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.  Do you believe this?  John 11:25-26

Graveside services will be held at 2:00PM, Sunday, December 11, 2022, in Whitewright, Texas at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Brother Bryan Holt will officiate.  Viewing will be prior to the service at graveside.