(From Nichols Funeral Home)
Richard “Dick” Hauser was born on September 28th, 1938, at home, on Cheat Mountain, near Aurora, West Virginia, to Lester and Marie Hauser. From his humble beginnings, to the life he built in northeastern Oklahoma, Dick was a man of remarkable talent and steadfast faith whose heart was devoted to serving and lifting up others. Above all, he was a faithful Christian whose greatest love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dick graduated from Aurora High School in 1957. Employment opportunities in West Virginia were scarce so a few days after graduation he traveled north to find a job building engines for the Edsel Motor Company. When the company stopped operations, he ventured to Kansas City to attend a training program for people hoping to join the growing airline industry. He landed a job with American Airlines and shortly after moved to Chicago. He worked at O’Hare Airport long before it became the bustling megahub it is today.
He often worked the night shift and was on occasion the only American Airlines employee on duty when a flight would refuel during a cross-country trip. While there he met his future wife, Patricia Harrison, also an American Airlines employee. Their love and commitment would carry them through 66 beautiful years of marriage, building a life together centered on faith, family, and hard work.
Leaving Chicago, Pat and Dick moved to Kansas City where Dick worked for two large hardware companies. After living in Kansas City and Minneapolis, they eventually returned to Pat’s family farm in northeastern Oklahoma, where they made their home and established deep roots in the community. Dick’s aptitude for all things mechanical, technical knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit led him into business for himself as a founding partner of Tiff City Pump. He was exceptionally skilled in pumps and water systems, with a reputation as an exceptionally competent and knowledgeable professional.
After selling their interest in Tiff City Pump, Dick and Pat opened,Grand Water Company in Grove,Oklahoma, continuing to serve the needs of the community they loved.
Dick believed in being an active and contributing member of his community. He was a member of the Grove Kiwanis Club and served as president of the Grove Chamber of Commerce, both giving his time and talents to help the Grove area grow and prosper. Whether through his professional work, community leadership, or willingness to lend a hand, Dick demonstrated the value of honest work, dependability, and service.
For many decades and until his death, Dick was a faithful and active member of Church on the Hill in Grove. His faith was not simply something he professed on Sunday mornings; it was the foundation of his life. He led numerous Bible studies, one for nine years straight, took a turn on the church’s Board of Trustees, serving as chair for two years. He was involved in other church committees and programs as well. Dick understood serving Christ meant serving His people, often in quiet, practical ways that might go unnoticed by others but were never insignificant in the eyes of God. He faithfully took care of whatever needed to be done around the church and its grounds. He was a leader with the Green Country Walk to Emmaus. He and Pat worked with and supported Emmaus over more than 20 years, and he served as Lay Leader or a speaker at least a dozen times.
Dick was a man who put his faith into action. Whether studying Scripture with others, caring for the church, using his professional skills to solve problems, or serving his community, Dick lived with a servant’s heart. His life reflected the words of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” He understood that every task, great or small, could be an act of worship when done for the glory of God.
Dick’s legacy is not measured only by the businesses he established or the leadership positions he held. It is measured in the faith he lived, the people he served, the family he loved, and the example he leaves behind. He demonstrated that a life well lived is one surrendered to Christ, devoted to family, and committed to serving others.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Hauser, whose companionship and love were central to his life. He is also survived by his two sons: Brent (Melanie) Hauser and Ben (Kathy) Hauser, all of Grove, Oklahoma. His legacy continues through his five grandchildren: Brock (Lyndsey) of Rogers, Arkansas; Mitch of Washington, D.C.; Silas (Olivia) of Seneca, Missouri; and Eli and Sophia, both students at John Brown University and three great grandchildren: Tripp, Amelia, and Banks all of Rogers, Arkansas. He also leaves behind two brothers: Stephen (Sue) Hauser of Aurora, West Virginia, and Everett (Darlene) Hauser of Deerfield, Michigan, along with many nieces and nephews.
The words of 2 Timothy 4:7 offer a fitting reflection on Dick’s life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Church on the Hill.
Celebration of Life
NOV 7. 10:00 AM (CT)
Church on the Hill
1005 Leisure Rd
Grove, OK 74344