Ricky Dean Osborn was born August 8, 1958, in Delta, Colorado. He passed Sunday evening May 12, 2024, shortly after leaving his beloved home in Oklahoma City. Although losing Rick at 65 feels unjust, we know that he has been granted a more perfect form, releasing him from the struggle of his body on this earth.

Rick was diagnosed with a hemangioblastoma in 1986. The specialists at MD Anderson said it was inoperable and gave him six months to live. His wife, Shelley, insisted that wasn't good enough. They went to the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The surgeons had never attempted removing part of the spinal cord and cervical spine. He might be paralyzed, or he might not even survive the surgery. Right away, Rick and Shelley said, "We're ready, when can we do it?"

The NIH surgeons removed the tumor that had entangled his spinal cord. They gave him the gift of life, but it was a new, harder life.

Rick had been an incredibly talented athlete. He was a star wrestler and track athlete at Sapulpa High School (class of 76). He completed his senior year of high school in military school with the Air Force.

He was tough, scrappy, and brilliant. He was passionate and worked hard for everything in which he found success. In the first part of his life, he loved to play his acoustic guitar and sing; his voice was as remarkable as his other talents.

Those talents included pole-vaulting at The University of Oklahoma, wrestling, golf, and life-long learning. He kept adding to his library of languages, religious knowledge, degrees, and certifications. He studied the Bible every day and valued his relationship with Jesus above all else.

The first half of Rick's life was full of handsome smiles, grappling, running, and academics; success was followed by more success. The second half would be different. His once healthy, able body was gone and he had to forge a new path.

Rick worked to surpass his physical limitations like the other hurdles he conquered. He was active in the life of his daughter, Jennifer, who became the biggest love of his life. If he wasn't at home, he was probably at the track with her. He coached her every day, as long as he could. He instilled in her the drive, perseverance and grit it takes to excel in this world.

Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Rodney and his father, Dean. Rick is survived by his daughter Jennifer and her two sons, Jude and Jonah; his mother Shirley; his sister, Sheila; her husband, Stephen; and Sheila's son, Jacob.

Rick loved Scripture, his daughter, and his grandsons. His legacy will live on through them in subtle ways, like the lessons he taught them about selflessness and generosity. He will also be remembered by his friends and family for his unshakable faith, his grit, and his passion for meeting the challenges of this life.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 21st at 3pm at The First Christian Church in Sapulpa.