Enrique Medina Jr.

Enrique (Rick) Medina Jr. was born August 14, 1956 in the Bronx, NY. And lived in Norman, OK when he was taken up from a peaceful sleep into the arms of Jesus on April 5, 2025 at age 68.

One of his favorite verses says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Revelations 12:11 (NKJV)

Rick believed this and walked it, giving testimony of his love and appreciation for his salvation in Jesus.

He'd be the first to say he wasn't perfect, but he never let that stop him from expressing his love for Jesus to others. From stranger to neighbor, he shared Jesus and gave even when he didn't have, with a caring and giving heart.

Rick overcame dyslexia and other challenges, achieving his goal of becoming a bricklayer by earning his journeyman's license. On job sites, union leaders respected Rick for his strong Christian testimony, initially asking him to keep it private. However, knowing his dedication and work ethic, they allowed him to continue sharing Jesus with others.

He was forced to retire after suffering a work-related back injury, which changed his life. Yet, his skillful knowledge became an opportunity to oversee the renovation of the CMCC church in Margaretville, NY. Pastor Robert Englehardt shared that Rick “also felt a calling to feed the poor and he helped innovate a food program that went on to feed thousands of families about five million dollars’ worth of food over the next twenty years."

Rick found a new passion for hunting and fishing. One of his early experiences in hunting had him running from a bear, which may have triggered enough of a respect for God's creation that he believed there was a bear on the road while driving to church one day. He needed some convincing before he accepted that it was a cow.

Long-time friends expressed fond memories of Rick’s generosity and hospitality, his contagious laughter, and treating their children as if they were his own. There were some good laughs like when Frank Gomez went shooting with Rick, and almost folded his torso in half. He tricked Rachel Gomez-Williams into believing she was eating beef when it was venison. As a church usher, he’d hold his little buddy Jonathan, the Russo’s son on his shoulder, and even bought him a My Buddy doll that the family still has.

Rick and Sheila Ahlgrim formed a deep bond in the 15 years they knew each other. She was his second mother, best friend, partner in crime, and a perfect match. When Sheila noticed signs of a heart attack during an errand run to Sam’s she gave him the option of walking to Sam’s or going to the hospital. Rick insisted on going to the store first, but Shelia was more insistent that they go to the hospital first. He received a timely quintuple bypass surgery. She remained steadfast, keeping loved ones informed – including his daughter Rebecca Medina, who flew in from Florida to care for her father. Rick also started building a relationship with Shelia’s son, Mark as he battled cancer.

At Bethel Baptist in Norman, OK, Rick found a supportive "family" in his Sunday School class. They rallied around him after surgery, providing meals and visits during recovery. When he was diagnosed with cancer, they continued to support him, driving him to doctor appointments and even covering the cost of his plane fare to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.

Rick received chemotherapy and radiation at the OU Cancer Center where the staff called him “Hollywood.” Rebecca flew back to Oklahoma to care for her father as continued his treatments until his final day on earth.

His pride and joy were in his two daughters, Victoria Medina and Rebecca Medina. He was present in their lives, supporting them in their interests, in church events, school activities, and sports, making every effort to be the father he didn't have.

Rick often expressed gratitude to his former wife Debbie Medina for gifting him with their two daughters and serving as his rock throughout their marriage. He considered her his best friend, appreciative of her support during these final days.

Rick is survived by his former wife, Debbie, two daughters Victoria and Rebecca, sisters Rebecca (Felix) Soto and Elizabeth Hoover, and brother Daniel Medina, many nieces, grand-nieces, nephews, and grand-nephews.

He is predeceased in death by his mother, Inez Badillo and his sister Lucy Bastidas.

Rick left his daughters a legacy of love to build and grow on. Rick knew grief and pain, but remained faithful to the Lord. This is his last testimony.

The Medina family extends appreciation to Bethel Baptist and to Sheila for embracing Rick and for being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Bethel Baptist at the Annex

Saturday, April 19, 2025 @  11 AM CST | 12 PM EST
1132 McGee Drive
Norman, OK 73069

Service will be live streamed.