Richard Wurtz

Richard “Rick” Jerome Wurtz, 62, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 30, 2021 in Joplin, Missouri.

Rick was born on October 22, 1958 to Joanne Smith and Jerry Wurtz in Fresno, California. After graduating from Wewoka High School in 1976, he went directly into the oilfield and began a family.

Rick spent many years dedicated to the oilfield and roofing industry before deciding to pursue a national truck driving career in 1986. Rick took a 10-year break from truck driving to take care of his family. During that time, he worked at Wrangler in Seminole, Oklahoma. Rick’s love for driving eventually led him back to the road where he ended his career with over 25 years of dedicated service.

In 1995, he met the love of his life, Tonya Rumley, and they wed in 1999.

Rick was predeceased by his beloved son, Ronnie Wurtz, and stepfather, Chester Smith, and grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Tonya Wurtz of Wewoka, OK, his five children, Robert Silva of Wewoka, OK, Railyn and Jeffery Sanderson of Blanchard, OK, Richard and Christi Wurtz of Seminole, OK, Shannon and Marcus Hill of Wewoka, OK, Tiffany Wurtz and Avondre Bruner of Wewoka, OK, his parents, Joanne Smith and Jerry Wurtz of Wewoka, OK, and his four siblings, Debrae and Pat Brumley of Wewoka, OK, Gary Wurtz of Wewoka, OK, Sherri Jackson of Wewoka, OK, Matthew and Shannon Smith of Cromwell, OK.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Stout-Phillips Chapel in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Officiating will be Reverend Reginald Woods, Sr. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to truckersfinalmile.org.

Arrangements are under the directions of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home in Wewoka, Oklahoma.