Richard Charles Lerblance, 80, of McAlester, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026, at his home in McAlester, Oklahoma.
His family welcomed friends for visitation on Tuesday, July 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in McAlester, Oklahoma. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. Pallbearers are Judge Michael Hogan, Tony Grosfield, Buddy Gaberino, Bob Craig, Darren Tidwell, and Ronnie May. Honorary pallbearers are Laura Wynn, Lee Anderson, Tim Diehl, Larry Cook, Mark Lauerman, and Mike Williams.
Richard Lerblance was born on March 9, 1946, in Oklahoma City to Dr. W. P. and Alyce (Knight) Lerblance. He grew up in Hartshorne and graduated from Hartshorne High School in 1964. He was involved in the family racehorse business and spent time in Raton, New Mexico, training horses. He earned an Associate degree from Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, a Bachelor’s degree from Central State University in Edmond, and a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He returned to Hartshorne and opened the Lerblance Law Firm.
Throughout his life, Richard was dedicated to serving his community and helping others. He was a proud Eagle Scout, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a volunteer fireman for over 30 years. Richard was a member of McAlester First United Methodist Church, where he also attended Sunday School and sang beautifully in the choir. For a time, he was an active cattleman and was a member of Latimer County, Pittsburg County, and Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Associations. He was actively involved in civic organizations, including the Rotary Club and the Elks Lodge.
In 2002, Richard was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and in 2003, was elected to fill an unexpired term in the Oklahoma Senate. He served as Senator for District 7 for 9 years. While in the Oklahoma Senate, he served as Assistant Majority Floor Leader, and on the Education, Energy and Environment, Judiciary, and Appropriations committees. He also served on the Appropriations subcommittee for Public Safety.
As a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, he proudly served as a Justice on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court for four six-year terms.
Richard had a deep love of travel and adventure. He embraced every opportunity to experience new places and things, alongside his beloved wife, family, and great friends.
He loved spending time on the water. For many years, he owned a cruiser so he could zip across the lake and a houseboat so he could entertain family and friends at the lake. He loved to make pancakes on the deck for his grandkids and their friends.
Richard will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to service, his adventurous spirit, his humor and wit, and the kindness, integrity, and love he shared with everyone who knew him.
Richard is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Frances Lerblance; children, David Lerblance and wife Ashley, and Rich Lerblance and wife Pauline; grandchildren, Lexie Flanagan and husband Mathew, Zach Lerblance and fiancé Jaisen Burrows, and Raven Hernandez-Lerblance; a great-grandson, Jack Francis Flanagan; a sister, Karen Beare; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, W.P. and Alyce Lerblance; a son, John Lerblance; and a brother, William Penn Lerblance III.
