Ricky Doyle Slifer

Ricky Doyle Slifer, known to family and friends as Rick, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the age of 73. Born on December 12, 1952, in Anderson, Indiana, he spent his formative years in Duncan, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Duncan High School in 1971. Rick earned a full scholarship in track and field to Kansas State University, where he excelled under coach DeLoss Dodds. He consistently placed in the top five in both indoor and outdoor competitions, achieving a personal best high jump of 7’3” in 1974 that helped secure the Big-8 Championship for Kansas State and earned him fifth place nationally. In 2025, he was inducted into the Duncan Hall of Fame.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in 1976, Rick earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1982. His professional career included key roles at Halliburton, the recreation programs of Olathe and Overland Park, Kansas, and distinguished work in the insurance industry with Prudential and CMIC, where he received numerous top sales awards. Later, as part of Heritage First Wealth Management, he provided expert guidance that helped secure the financial futures of many families.

Rick was a devoted husband to Paula Slifer for 49 years and a loving father to Sarah Clark and Seth Slifer. He cherished his role as grandfather to Henry, Charlie, Penny, and Maddie, taking great pride in their accomplishments. He is also survived by his brother, Dan Slifer, sister-in-law Suwanna Riley, and their families, as well as nieces Pam Hays and Dana Royer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Evelyn Slifer.

A man of deep Christian faith, Rick lived with purpose, kindness, and grace. He gave back to his community by mentoring high school track athletes, particularly high jumpers. He enjoyed attending Kansas State games at Bill Snyder Stadium, watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports, and traveling the world with Paula. Those who knew him will remember him as a friendly, loving, and faith-filled man whose commitment to family, faith, and community leaves a lasting legacy.