Bishop Funeral Home
February 8, 2015
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Dirk Frans Been, 74, of McAlester, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024 at his home in McAlester surrounded by his family. A viewing will be Friday, August 23, 2024 at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A visitation will be Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Bishop Chapel of Memories. Family will greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. Inurnment will be at White Chimney Cemetery at a later date. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Cajun Express and the many personnel he worked with over the years. Dirk was born on August 20, 1950, in Pakan Baru, Indonesia to Dick and Margaret Joanna Van De Kamp Been Dirk was a man of the world in the truest sense. After acquiring some college credit, he pursued a life that was rich in experience and learning. His career began with a valiant eight-year service in the Royal New Zealand Navy, where he honed his skills as a machine operator. Following his naval service, Dirk's adventurous spirit led him to the Oil and Gas industry where he worked for over 30 years in numerous countries. He retired from Schlumberger Oilfield Services in April 2014, having contributed significantly to the industry. Dirk's work ethic and his ability to navigate the complexities of the job were unparalleled, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Dirk married the love of his life, Wanda Lawrence, in Las Vegas on February 17, 1992. Together, they embarked on a journey that was as much about their shared passions as it was about their devotion to each other. Dirk's interests were a mirror to his soul—free and boundless. He found joy in feeding birds, caring for cats and dogs, and looking after the wildlife that visited his backyard. His love for nature was evident to all who knew him. Dirk's legacy is one of love, adventure, and service. He will be remembered for his indomitable spirit, his warm heart, and the waves of impact he made on the shores of so many lives. Dirk is preceded in death by his parents: Dick and Margaret Been; his mother and father-in-law: Wilma and Gilbert Lawernce. Dirk is survived by his wife of 32 years, Wanda Been of the home; son: Jason Lindley and wife, Kristi of Hartshorne; sister: Marina Been of Australia; grandchildren: Tyler Lindley and wife, Madison of McAlester, Blake Lindley of Oklahoma City, Holli Lindley of Hartshorne, Brett Lindley of Hartshorne; great-grandchild: Tate Lindley of McAlester; sisters and brothers-in-law: Rhonda and Doug Hull of McAlester, Mary and Dean Lee of McAlester, Pam Lawrence of Stuart. Special nephews, Duston Hull of McAlester Ok and Evan and Michelle Lee of Sachse, Texas, Special friends Betty and Archie Chapman of Onalaska, Tx, Leara Sledge of Highlands, Texas and the Padgett family of Mont Belview and Baytown Texas as well as a host of Great nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers Dirk had during his health journey; Oklahoma Heart Hospital (Dr. Ahmed and his staff), Davita Dialysis, Life Spring Home health and Heartland Hospital.