William Richard Lierman

William Richard (Dick) Lierman, a resident of Oklahoma City, died at home on Sunday, April 16, 2023, surrounded by his family. He bravely fought Lewy Body Dementia for the last seven years, never losing his quick-witted sense of humor.

The son of William Walter and Mary Louise Lierman, Dick was born in Jefferson City, MO on January 23, 1936. He attended school in Missouri through his junior year of high school, where he held the state track record for the 880 until 1967. The Lierman family then moved to Tulsa, and Dick attended his senior year at Will Rogers High School, where he met his future wife, Nancy Mae Knight. Nancy was the daughter of the principal, Dr. R. W. Knight, who was a great influence in Dick’s life.

Dick and Nancy were married from 1956-1989, raising their three children—Kathy, W. R., Jr. (Rick), and Michael—in Norman.

Dick began his career with the L.G. Balfour company as a sales representative, selling class rings, diplomas, graduation announcements, and caps and gowns. His expertise and success earned him the title “The Ring Man.” He later joined the Herff Jones Scholastic Sales Force in the same capacity and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Following his time at Herff Jones, Dick joined Jostens with his son, Rick, and never officially retired, recently celebrating 65 years of Lierman Graduate Services. Throughout his storied career, Dick never met a stranger and was well known by school administrators and students across the state of Oklahoma.

In 1990, Dick married Kay York Lierman, gaining daughter Sherry Clark. They resided in Oklahoma City, where they lived until Kay’s death in 2009. During their marriage, Dick and Kay enjoyed traveling, attending Sunday school at Church of the Servant, entertaining friends and customers, and spending time and holidays with their blended families at their much-loved home on the golf course in The Greens.

In 2011, Dick—never one to doubt himself—boldly asked Bonnie Black to marry him during a birthday toast celebrating a fellow Sunday school member. Bonnie said yes, and the two were married in July of that year. Bonnie and Dick traveled often, attended their Sunday school class, spent time with their beloved families, and enjoyed their Oklahoma City home and neighborhood. Dick’s children are forever grateful for the love and care she gave him during his most difficult years.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Louise Lierman. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Kathy Lierman Blum (William), Rick Lierman, Jr., Michael Knight Lierman, and Sherry Lindsey (Bill); and; grandchildren, Katie Blum Dempsey (Daniel), Trey Lierman, Grant Lierman, Robert Clark (Whitney), Ryan Clark, Brian Lindsey (Lindy), Cassidy Henry (M.L.), Ali Brower (Jack); and great-grandchildren, William Dempsey, Penelope, Scottie and Ellie Henry, Lincoln and Lily Lindsey, Wiley and Piper Brower; sister Mary Ann Walker; and nephews, David Walker (TeNe), and Jude Walker.

Dick’s family wants to express a special thanks to his caregiver Carolyn Wilson. Thank you for all that you do.

Donations can be made in his honor to The Nicole Jarvis, M.D., Parkinson’s Research Foundation, Inc. at jarvismdparkinsonsfoundation.org or on Facebook: Nicole Jarvis MD, Parkinson’s Research Foundation, Inc. page (blue donate button under picture).