Richard Silas Dick Barrett

Richard Silas "Dick" Barrett was born August 22, 1931 in Duncan, Oklahoma and rode for better pasture March 25, 2013.

All Dick ever wanted to be was a cowboy growing up on the family ranch riding, breaking horses, and working cattle in Ryan, Oklahoma. Dick loved sports and in 1949 graduated from Culver Military Academy High School in Culver, Indiana lettering in football, basketball, and track. In 1954 Dick graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Animal Husbandry and won about everything there was to win on the college rodeo circuit while attending the University. In 1952 he was named the World's Champion College Bareback Rider, World's Champion College Team Roper, and won the title of World's Champion All-Around College Cowboy. In 1953 Dick won the World's Champion College Bareback Rider title again. Dick was the first National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association President to serve two consecutive years in 1952 and 1953 and went on to win numerous buckles, saddles, and titles after his college rodeo career was over including the winning of the Wild Bill Hickok in 1954. In 1962, as a founding member and Vice President of the American Paint Stock Horse Association, which became the American Paint Horse Association in 1965, Dick continued his passion for horses winning many titles in the show ring with the horses he raised on the ranch in Oklahoma. Dick always had a passion for Texas Hold'em Poker competing in the World Series of Poker for several years and was good friends with poker greats Amarillo Slim Preston and Dole Brunson who regarded Dick as a great player and always in contention for the money. Dick loved playing poker and did so until 3 weeks before his death due to a stroke and ensuing respiratory complications.

Dick is survived by his wife of 55 years Mary Ruth of Ryan, Oklahoma; two sons Zach of Oklahoma City and Clay of Ryan; three grandchildren Christa Rollins and husband Clint; Colby, and Corey of Ryan; and two great grandchildren Cutler and Caysen Rollins of Ryan.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on March 28th at the Ryan Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on March 27th at the Dudley funeral home in Ryan, OK. Grave side services will be held at the Ryan Cemetery after the funeral services.

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