Richard L. Sias

Oilman, philanthropist, vintner and music lover, Richard L. "Dick" Sias, age 94, died July 28, 2022. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Jeannette Joullian Sias.

Through his generous contributions of time, money, and leadership, he helped to sustain and improve the status of the fine arts and education in Oklahoma and Kansas. His myriad interests included the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra, The University of Kansas, Oklahoma City University, opera, art, dance, cuisine, enology, and many other programs and causes.

A native of Fredonia, Kansas, Sias served two years in the U.S. Army and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages at the University of Kansas, a Master's Degree in Spanish Literature from the National University of Mexico, and a J.D. degree at the University of Kansas School of Law in 1954.

Upon graduation from law school he joined Continental Oil Company. He later served as Vice President of Exploration at An-Son Corporation before becoming Vice-Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of Mustang Fuel Corporation, Oklahoma City. Upon retirement in 1991 he operated Bint Development LLC and Joullian Vineyards of Carmel Valley, CA. His family foundation, Ad Astra, has benefited numerous organizations.

He was President of the Oklahoma City Association of Petroleum Landmen and a director of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen. He served on the board of directors of First Interstate Bank, Oklahoma City. He also served as a trustee of the American Symphony Orchestra league, National Symphony Orchestra, Washington, D.C., Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Casady School, Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic Foundation, Civic Center Cultural Trust, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Ambassadors Concert Choir, Cimarron Circuit Opera Company, and Alexis de Tocqueville Society. Sias was a member of the Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, Fortune Club, Petroleum Club, Beacon Club, Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, Chaine des Rotisseurs and L'Ordre Mondial.

His honors include induction in The Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma City University Business and Industry Hall of Fame, the Business & The Arts Award from the Oklahoma State Arts Council, Friday Newspapers' OKC Cityan of the Year, and the E.C. Joullian Distinguished Citizen Award of the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts. Both Dick and Jeannette were honored as "Living Treasures" by the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, by the Oklahoma Jewish Federation, by the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society, and with the Servant Leader Award from Oklahoma City University.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Alice Sias Pippin, her husband Phil Pippin, and his grandsons Richard, Philip and John. Dick was predeceased by his mother (Ethol (Smith) Sias), father (Roy C Sias), 2 brothers and both sisters. He is survived by many nephews and nieces.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Trevor Smith officiating. A livestream of the service can be found at https://nicholshillsumc.org or at www.facebook.com/Nicholshillsumc.

The family would like to thank his many caregivers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oklahoma City Philharmonic (424 Colcord Dr B, OKC, OK 73102), Casady School (9500 N Pennsylvania Ave, OKC, OK 73120), Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America (3031 NW 64th St, OKC, OK 73116) or a Charity of your choice.