Ricky Earl Atwood

Ricky Earl Atwood, of Skiatook, Oklahoma, passed away on May 20, 2026. Rick was born on February 7, 1961, in Idabel, Oklahoma, to Emmett Earl Atwood and Betty Lou McMennamy Atwood. He graduated from Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Oklahoma, with the Class of 1979. Throughout the years he was an EMT, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, and a project manager. Rick was a man who appreciated the simple things in life. He loved hunting, building things, fixing things with his hands, giving advice, and staying busy. If something was broken, chances are Rick would find a way to make it work again. That hardworking spirit was simply who he was. He left pieces of himself behind not only in the things he built, but in the people who loved him. Throughout his life, family remained at the center of everything. January of 1999, he proudly adopted his son, Colton, a moment that meant a great deal to him. On November 25, 2009, he married his love, Kimberly Rich. She loved and took care of him until his passing. The love between Rick and Kimberley was real and lasting. Even though hearts are broken by his passing, that love remains through memories, stories, and the lives he touched. Rick was also a proud grandfather who deeply loved his grandchildren. His family will forever remember his voice, his smile, his advice, and the little things that made him uniquely Rick. He was the best Papa Ever. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Betty Atwood; his baby brother, James Glynn Atwood; maternal grandparents, Jesse and Kathryn Smith, Fount McMennamy Jr., and Bill Long; and paternal grandparents, Charlie Atwood and Mabel Horn Atwood. He was also preceded in death by a host of aunts and uncles. Rick is survived by his is loving wife, Kimberly Atwood; step children, Kristin, Kaytlin, and Shawn Rich; seven grandchildren; siblings, Mary Morgan, Jerry Atwood (Tara), and Denise Vance (Bryan); his uncles, Jerry McMennamy (Louise), Kenneth McMennamy (Jettie), Doyle Long (Sharon), and Curtis Smith (Brenda); and his aunt, Nancy Griggs. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, including Johnny Morgan, Patricia Gross, Carrie Wilson, Amy Atwood, Matt Atwood (Brittnea), Shelby Atwood, Kaitlyn Jenson (Kyle), Chase Vance (Libby), and Bailey Vance, along with good friend Steve Pennington and extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory always. There are never perfect words for moments like this. No obituary can fully capture a person’s life or explain what they meant to the people who loved them. But today, we honor Rick not just for how he passed, but for how he lived—for the work of his hands, the love he gave, and the place he held in the hearts of his family. Rick’s life mattered. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Ricky Earl Atwood

February 7, 1961 - May 20, 2026