Richard Lloyd Moorehead Sr. (Butch) of Eureka passed away unexpectedly in his home October 25, 2023. He was born February 28, 1939, to Theodore Moorehead Sr. and Isabel (Whipple) Moorehead at their home on the reservation in Smith River. He was the youngest of his siblings, Theodore Jr, Ramona, Ione, Beverly and Shirley. He joined the military as a teen. He didn’t talk much about his life in the Navy. He worked in the sawmill industry for most of his life, in various roles. He retired at the age of 69, after he worked over 40 years in the industry. He married the love of his life, Dixie Gallaway. Dixie had four children from previous relationships, but grandpa treated them like his own. He was a family man — providing for his family is what drove him to be a hard worker. This is something he instilled in his children and grandchildren.

Butch was well known for driving around town in his teal 1994 Chevy Truck and was rarely ever seen without his cowboy hat on. He had many friends that he met throughout the years, whenever he went to “town” he would be gone for a while because he would run into someone he knew and chat for a bit. He was there for his children and grandchildren; we always knew we could count on him. His home was always open if family or friends needed a place to stay. He was genuine, and one of a kind.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Moorehead; his parents, Theodore and Isabel Moorehead; his siblings, Theodore Jr, Ramona, Ione and Beverly and Shirley (who was still a baby when she passed away). He was survived by his children: Richard (Rick) Moorehead Jr. and Melissia Johnson; grandchildren, Katrina Simpson, Richard Moorehead III, Charlene Harralson (Christopher), Kristina O’Loughlin (Sean), Micheal Moorehead, Aimee Moorehead (Andrew), Robert Moorehead; great-grandchildren: Kira Simpson (Owen), Kyla Simpson, Kirsten Simpson, Kadence Simpson, Dan’des’ne Moorehead, Brendon Harralson (Baylee), Madison Harralson, Dylan Moorehead-O’Loughlin, Jasmine O’Loughlin, Kenai O’Loughlin, Aliana Williams, Adaline Williams, Benjamin Williams; great-great grandson and his pride and joy Koda Fite, and Kalaia Fite (on the way). He had numerous other relatives, too many to list. Just know he loved you all!

Family, friends and acquaintances of the Moorehead family are respectfully invited to attend the graveside services of Richard to be held at Howonquet Indian Cemetery, Smith River at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Following services, we will be having a potluck at 4 p.m. at Tish Non Community Center, located at 266 Keisner Road, Loleta. We ask that if you join us, please bring a side dish.

###