Marlow - Richard "Ric" Ames Gatlin, 83, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, at his home in Marlow. Ric was born April 20, 1942, in Duncan, Oklahoma to Hugh and Ruth Gatlin.

Ric grew up in Marlow and attended public schools. From 1958 to 1963, he attended high school and completed two years of junior college at the Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore. In 1966, he graduated from Southwestern State College in Weatherford with a degree in chemistry and a minor in biology.

Shortly after graduation, Ric entered the armed forces where he served with distinction. He spent a year with the 5th Maintenance Battalion in Germany and trained in jungle warfare in Panama before deploying to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.

Ric performed heroic acts of bravery before being critically wounded and hospitalized in May 1968. For his courage and service, he was promoted to captain and received numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal with V for valor, the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, two Purple Hearts and the Army Commendation Medal.

Returning home to Marlow, Ric married his beloved "darlin'" and lifelong companion Mary Katherine "Kay" Waters in January 1969. They shared 56 wonderful years raising their children Tammy and Colby and building a beautiful life together.

Following his military service, Ric put his organizational leadership talents to use building a successful career in operations management. He worked for several major corporations including Halliburton, IFR Systems, Garmin, and Sanmina. After retiring from Sanmina, Ric moved with Kay back home to Marlow.

Ric tirelessly cared for his family's farm and spent countless hours maintaining it. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman, as well as a fan of OU and Marlow sports. He and Kay took pride in caring for their home's immaculate lawn and garden, and Ric delighted in transforming their house into a winter wonderland each Christmas season. Throughout his life, he was enriched by the companionship of many beloved family dogs.

During their retirement years, Ric and Kay poured their energy into caring for their aging parents and neighbors. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Marlow.

Ric, affectionately known as "Papaw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will be remembered as a decorated veteran, a caring family man and neighbor, and a devoted friend. His family cherished him deeply, and he will be dearly missed.

Ric was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Ruth Gatlin; his brother-in-law Charles Waters and his daughter Tammy.

He is survived by his wife Kay; brother Robert "Bob" Gatlin of Tulsa; son Colby Ames and wife Malinda Gatlin of Gardner, Kansas and their children: Kaylee, Wyatt, and Walker; son-in-law Jerry Rogers of Marlow; grandson William "Billy" and wife Kate Smith of Tulsa and their children: Maryn, Hudson, Benjamin, and Maggie; nephew Mike and Juli Gatlin of Newcastle and their children: Chelsee and Tanner.

Public funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church Marlow. A graveside service with military honors will follow in the Duncan Municipal Cemetery under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Stephens County Humane Society PO Box 669, Duncan 73534, or to a charitable organization of your choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.