Richard "Dick" Manlove

Richard “Dick” Manlove was born February 29, 1948, to Merle and Mary Manlove in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in the Riverside area and graduated from North High, which is still recovering from his shenanigans.

While studying the sciences at Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas, he met and beguiled his future wife, Janice Bachman, by smoothly asking her for advice regarding the care of a rubber tree plant. They married on December 29, 1968, in Vernon, Texas, and twins Darin and Brian were born in 1970. Brian passed away at six months old, having been born with liver disease. In 1972, Nathan joined the family.

While Janice was pregnant with Lora in 1975, Richard was called by God to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ – a charge he took seriously his entire life. The family moved to Dallas, where Richard attended the Preston Road School of Preaching. His first post was in Oakley, Kansas, where his and Janice’s patience and marital strength were tested when they started up the Joy Bus that shuttled 45 “enthusiastic” children to and from Wednesday night church.

In 1978, Richard returned to his science roots, becoming a full-time respiratory therapist, and the family moved to Pocahontas, Arkansas. Next, the family relocated to Vernon, Texas, Janice’s hometown, where they lived until 2008, when he and Janice purchased a home in Harrah, Oklahoma. While living there, Richard drove himself to Wichita Falls for work and was known to arrive there with no recollection of the trip, having slept most of the way. He retired in 2012 and spent the rest of his life in Harrah.

Richard was unexpectedly called home to Heaven on Friday, November 7, 2025, where he was warmly welcomed by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his son, Brian, and his parents. He is survived by his wife, sons and their wives, daughter and her husband, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Richard will be remembered as a loving, kind, funny curmudgeon whose sommelier-like skill with Diet Mountain Dew was only bested by his knowledge of and passion for God’s word. He founded and led many small groups, most notable being T.O.M.B.S. – The Old Men’s Bible Study – and Jesus & Joe. His life will forever be memorialized by the number of people who will be in Heaven because of his influence.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 1:30pm on Tuesday, November 11, at Harrah Church, located at 101 South Dobbs Road, Harrah, Oklahoma, 73045. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to Feed My Sheep, a homeless ministry in Oklahoma City, or Children’s HopeChest.

Arrangements for Cremation are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Services of Harrah, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net