Darlene Rickman

Linda Darlene (Gideon) Rickman, 75, of Hugo, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, at Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas. She was born on July 14, 1950, in Grand Prairie, Texas, to Edgar and Jimmie (George) Gideon. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Herndon and Rodney Gideon, and her sister, Pearl (Gideon) Amiott.

Darlene married the love of her life, Bryant Rickman, on May 2, 1970, in Mesquite, Texas. Together they built a life defined by family, hard work, devotion and faith that carried them through fifty-five years of marriage.

Darlene was strong in both spirit and body. Whether remodeling her home on the ranch, decorating it in her favorite Western style, digging waterlines for livestock or hauling rocks in the trunk of her Cadillac for her beloved garden, she faced every task with grit and pride. She was the quiet servant in every room, always putting others before herself, always meeting needs before her own.

She loved her family deeply and unconditionally, especially her husband Bryant, and took great pride in her children and their families. Her home was a refuge for anyone who needed it, including her nephew, Chris Gideon, whom she loved like a son. She raised her grandchildren, Madie, Milton and Neelee as her own children. Darlene had a soft spot for those who were hurting and often opened her doors and her heart to help them get back on their feet.

Even through years of physical pain and illness, Darlene lived with joy and determination. She had battled breast cancer since 1996, endured rheumatoid arthritis and survived COVID pneumonia. But these struggles never defined her. She kept living her best life, full of purpose, laughter and faith in Jesus Christ.

She was a devoted partner to Bryant in their shared passion for preserving the Colonial Spanish Horse through the Southwest Spanish Mustang Association, Rickman Spanish Mustangs and the Oklahoma Heritage Horse Association. Her advocacy contributed to the 2014 Oklahoma legislative resolution (No. 34) designating the Colonial Spanish Horse as the Official Heritage Horse of Oklahoma-a legacy she helped secure for generations to come. She was a Librarian and bus driver for Hugo City Schools. Darlene also served as Secretary for the Choctaw County Election Board and Secretary of Hugo FFA Rodeo for many years

Darlene was known for her strength, her hospitality and her love of Dr Pepper, she always said she knew it was a good one when her eyes watered. She was the heart of every family meal, making the best food even during lean times, and she was happiest when her kitchen and her living room were full of the people she loved.

Darlene's faith was her foundation, and she lived it quietly but steadfastly. She believed in the promises of Christ, served others without fanfare, and leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, grace, and unwavering love.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Bryant Rickman of Hugo, OK; her children, Dr. Otis Rickman (Rhonna) of Nashville, TN, Eddie Rickman (Winona) of Hugo, OK and Kristi Rickman of Houston, TX; eight grandchildren, Abigayle Waterson (Blake), Alexandra Rickman, Aric Rickman (Rachel), Adam Rickman, Madison Doane, Milton Rickman, Neelee Rickman, Joy Rickman and two great-grandsons, Emmett and Graham Waterson; sisters, Donna Davis and Deloris Jones along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family she loved as her own.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Rickman Spanish Mustang
C/O Donna Davis
P.O. Box 329
Hugo, OK 74743.

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