Richard Volker Armstrong

Judge Richard Volker Armstrong passed away, Monday, February 12, 2018, at the age of 82, from complications from the flu virus. Richard was born in Tulsa in 1936. He attended Lee Elementary School, Horace Mann Middle School, and Central High School only to leave Tulsa for higher education. Richard attended Oklahoma University, graduating with a B.A. in Letters. He was a very loyal member of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha and equally a Sooners Football fan. In 1958 Richard moved to Washington D.C. to attend Law School at George Washington. He had so many wonderful encounters when he lived on the east coast, and one of his favorite stories was while in Washington D.C. a limousine drove by on a rainy day and drenched him. A minute after the incident, the limo stopped, and backed up, and the passenger window rolled down. President Truman said, “Are you alright son?”, and Richard simply replied, “Yes Mr. President.” After Law School in 1961, in combination with D.C.’s brutal weather, Richard came home to Tulsa, Oklahoma and never left. Richard began private practice in 1961 at Rucker, Tabor, Shepherd, & Palmer until 1965. Before becoming a judge, Richard partnered with Jack Maner from 1970-1972. Soon after he was elected Judge serving from 1972 -1984. He was elected 3 terms without opposition by the voters of Tulsa County. Richard’s entire family was raised at Trinity Episcopal Church on Cincinnati, weddings, christenings, confirmations, marriages, and unfortunately for the living, funerals. Richard has so much history, so many stories and accolades, and many “best Friends” that could fill a book. He has always been so pleased with his sobriety date of February 1, 1986. He felt this was really his true birthday. Sober, he felt he still had a sense of humor, enjoyed himself more, and could help others learn the same. He especially was happy that he came in contact with the H.O.W. Foundation in 1992. This foundation was started to support and house men just released from rehab, with no home to return to. When Richard began attending meetings at The H.O.W. Foundation, the center consisted of two barracks with mud in between. Richard has since said this was his true God’s calling in life and has helped at the foundation by teaching 2 classes a week, and by doubling the size of the foundation. His legal knowledge helped those in need, and his community influence helped the foundation to grow as he grew. Later Richard became the President of the Board. Richard’s children grew a new relationship with their father after his sobriety. On February 1st, Richard celebrated his 32nd A.A. Birthday with such joy. His family is convinced that he has found his eldest (deceased) daughter, Sarah Kathryn Armstrong on Ella Fitzgerald’s cloud which she dreamed would happen in heaven and we know Richard is enjoying life with her again. Recently Richard said, “Fill your hearts and there will be no sadness, Please be at peace. He who has no shame will fear nothing”. Richard is survived by his son, Richard V. Armstrong II, his wife Christa Armstrong, his daughter Rachel Armstrong Miller, brother-in-law Matthew T. Miller grandchildren Elisa and Mallory Armstrong, and Jack and Sydney Miller. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the honor of the Richard V. Armstrong Memorial Fund, Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 S. Cincinnati Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74103. These donations will be reflected in honor of Richard within the church. Viewing will be held, Thursday, February 22nd from 5pm- 7pm at The Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 South Boulder Ave., Tulsa, OK 74119. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 23rd at 11am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 S. Cincinnati, Tulsa, 74103. A Reception will immediately follow the Service at Trinity. The graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 S. Memorial Drive, in Tulsa, will begin at 2:15 pm. Richard’s Family is so grateful for the outpouring of love. Thank You. FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL, 918-585-1151

Richard Volker Armstrong

January 20, 1936 - February 12, 2018