Richard Duane O'Steen

With deep sorrow and sadness of heart, we announce the passing of Richard Duane O’Steen, affectionately known as “Rick”, who passed peacefully at home and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the age of 69.

Rick was born in Thomasville, GA, on January 12th 1955 to the late Thomas E O’Steen and Merle J. Mills. He graduated from Tombstone High School in 1973 and upon graduation joined the United States Army serving as a Signal Specialist. After completing his military commitment, he went on to earn his Bachelor degree in Engineering Technology from the University of Central Florida as well as a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from Florida Institute of Technology. 

A retired systems engineer for Lockheed Martin, his career allowed him to travel the world and collaborate on contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense including several years in Saudi Arabia where he learned to spear fish, scuba dive and developed a love of treasure hunting in the desert. Rick was known for his analytical mind and problem-solving skills. Outside of work, he found joy in fishing and was renowned for his incredible cooking, often sharing delicious meals with family, friends and church members.

Rick’s warm spirit, love for family, and generous heart touched the lives of many. He and his wife, Karen, were foster parents to over 60 children, including a very special foster son “Nicky”, and were heavily involved in the Orange/Seminole Foster Care Association where Rick served in various capacities from service as a Board Member to playing Santa at the Association Christmas events (“shhhhhh….he was one of Santa’s best helpers!”).

His giving nature extended beyond his family, friends and church to include volunteering for various organizations and causes such as the Central Care Mission, Straight Street Orlando and Gift of Hope to name but a few. 

Rick had a love for adventure and zest for life. From traveling the country and camping in his RV with his family to taking a solo cross country motorcycle trip, he enjoyed being on the move, seeing new sights and experiencing new places. However, what he loved most was being on the water fishing and boating. He was a gifted fisherman and his family, and friends enjoyed the fruits of his labor with his famous “fish fry” and “shrimp boil”! Rick also enjoyed attending Center Pointe Community Church of the Nazarene, golfing and cooking special family meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him. Rick was preceded in death by his father Thomas E. O’Steen, his mother Merle J. Cowen and a nephew, Jeremy Bright. Rick is survived by his devoted wife of twenty-four years, Karen Michelle Hughes O’Steen of Orlando. He leaves behind six loving children: Katharine W. Payne (Mark) of Punta Gorda, Kristin A. Hughes of Orlando, Mark A. Hughes (Diana) of Orlando, Kyla A. O’Steen of Orlando, Keara E. O’Steen of Orlando, and Katelyn N. O’Steen of Orlando. He was a proud grandfather “Pop Pop” to five cherished grandchildren: Kaylee A. Hughes, Kendra M. Wolfe, Adelyn G. Kelly, Ian A. Hughes, and Lillian K. Hughes. Rick is also survived by his sister, Patti Bright (Arizona) and niece Jenna Bright (Arizona) as well as numerous beloved extended family members.

A memorial service to be officiated by Rick’s Pastor, Dewayne Adams, will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 895 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 32822 on Friday, November 1, 2024. Viewing will be held at 9:30am and funeral services will begin at 10:30am. A military burial at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery will follow immediately after funeral services. In addition to the memorial service a celebration of life for Rick will be held at a later date.