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Greenleaf Cemetery

Tahlequah, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, USA
Coordinates: 35.85000, -95.01970

© Tahlequah Daily Press
Tahlequah, OK
October 8, 2010
Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Richard Amos Birdtail Jr.

Aug. 29, 1956 ~ Jul 2011

TAHLEQUAH — Services for Richard Birdtail will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at 10 a.m., at Reed-Culver Funeral Chapel, with D.J. McCarter officiating. Interment will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Reed-Culver Funeral Home of Tahlequah.

Richard Amos Birdtail Jr. was born on Aug. 29, 1956, in Torrance, Calif., the son of Richard Birdtail Sr. and Bessie (Staller) Birdtail. He lived in California, where he was raised with his three brothers and one sister. He then moved to Tahlequah with his family, where he attended Wolf Springs Elementary School, and then on to high school, graduating from Oaks Indian Mission School. While in high school, he enjoyed painting and spent many hours perfecting his skills.

Richard made many friends over the years and these friendships lasted throughout his adult life. Richard attended Northeastern State University and graduated with a degree in horticulture. He also acted in the Trail of Tears drama as one of the original cast members with his mother, father and brothers.

Through the years he enjoyed and appreciated music. His brothers often called him a Renaissance man. While in New York, Richard had a small role in the movie "Power." Richard's infectious laugh and smile will be remembered by all who knew him.

In his last few years, Richard enjoyed swimming, cars, and the times spent with his many family and friends in fellowship. One of Richards favorite activities was dining out with friends.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Lonnie Birdtail.

Those left to cherish his memory include his two brothers, John of Tahlequah, and Herman Dean Birdtail of Florida; and one sister; as well as many other family, friends and loved ones.