Richard Paul Holcomb, Sr. 76, of Sapulpa took his final ride in the early dawn on April 23, 2024.

Richard was born October 8, 1947, in Sapulpa to William Paul and Leona Denham Holcomb of Sapulpa.  He graduated in 1966 from Sapulpa High School and was actively involved with the Welding Team and FFA receiving Outstanding Future Farmer.

In 1965, prior to graduation, Richard was named All-Around Cowboy winning a saddle at the High School Rodeo in Wetumka, OK.  He placed first in both the bull and bronc riding, third in the cutting horse competition and fourth in the steer wrestling competition. He received a belt buckle for his first-place finishes. In addition, he was offered a two-year, full scholarship at Tonkawa Junior college.  This win sent him on to the national high school rodeo finals in North Dakota.  Richard was able to become the Oklahoma Junior Rodeo Association Bareback Champion and Bull Riding Champion.

Richard met and married in June 1968 the love of his life, Dorothy "Dottie" Smoot and together they raised four boys.  He enjoyed and stayed active with the rodeo circuit riding any chance he could.  His last competitive bull ride was at a Kellyville Rodeo when he was 47.  He was still riding for pleasure and last rode his horse about 10 years ago.

Richard will be remembered by his children, Bill and PJ Smoot, Bob and Betty Smoot, Michael and Angie Smoot and Richard Paul, Jr. (Richie) and Karla Hawley Holcomb, wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister Charlene Alderman and husband Johnny and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Richard is proceeded in death by his parents, William Paul and Leona Holcomb, his wife of 45 years, Dottie Holcomb, granddaughter Danielle Holcomb, a brother Donald Fleming, sister Ella Ruth Frisbie and nephew John Kevin Alderman.

Bearers will be Bill Smoot, Bob Smoot, Michael Smoot, Ryan Smoot, Jonathan Smoot and Vince Hawley. Honorary pallbearers are Shawn Fleming and Michael Alderman.

Funeral services will be 11:30am, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville, with burial to follow at Sunrise Cemetery also in Kellyville. Visitation with family present will be Monday, April 29, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm at Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville.

Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, OK 918-247-7373 .

He may have been a rugged cowboy but certainly had a tender heart.  He was loved and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.