Richard Norman “Dickie” Putnam was born November 29, 1941, in Hamilton, Texas, to Donald Dean Putnam and Edith Pauline Atchley Putnam. He grew up in the Gatesville area and cherished memories of his childhood at Fort Hood.

Dickie graduated from high school in Flat, Texas, with the Class of 1961. He participated in basketball, football, track, FFA and 4-H, serving as football captain and FFA vice president. He was also a first-prize winner in 4-H and was voted a class favorite. During his younger years, Dickie also rode bulls for several years, something he remained proud of throughout his life.

In 1964, Dickie moved to Orla, Texas, where he lived for 17 years and began working for Phillips. He later moved to Mentone, Texas, which remained his home. He worked for Phillips for more than 30 years before retiring.

A lifelong rancher, Dickie spent more than 25 years running the Boyd Johnson Ranch in Orla, TX. He had a lifetime of knowledge about cattle, horses and ranching. Whether breaking colts, caring for cattle or figuring out how to fix whatever needed fixing, there was very little he couldn’t find a way to do.

Beginning in 1992, Dickie served as sheriff of Loving County for 12 years.

Dickie raised two sons and lived by the strong work ethic that defined much of his life. He had a tough exterior, but those who knew him best knew the soft heart beneath. He was willing to help when he could and had a special love for animals, especially his dogs.

He was also extremely particular—about just about everything. Those who knew him well understood that there was usually a right way, a wrong way and Dickie’s way.

Dickie loved making people laugh and nearly always had a funny saying, joke or story to share. He enjoyed his dogs, Westerns, Fox News, good company and a glass of Crown and Coke. He could play the spoons, too. And although he loved a good Western, he had absolutely no use for John Wayne, whom he usually referred to simply as “that counterfeit SOB.”

Dickie is survived by his sons, Jesse Vernon Jones and wife Linda, and Donald Paul Putnam and wife Lynell; grandchildren Jessica Williamson and husband Steve, Donna Jo Tompkins and husband Curt, John Paul Jones and wife Morgan, Will Putnam and wife Julia, Tracy Putnam and husband Landon Fryar, and Jesse Putnam; 16 great-grandchildren; his special niece Barbara; and his longtime best friend Joe of Gatesville, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy Putnam; his parents, Donald Dean Putnam and Edith Pauline Atchley Putnam; his sister, Margaret D. Putnam Stevens and her husband, Bryan Stevens; and many other family members and friends dear to him.

Dickie passed away September 2, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, after a fight with cirrhosis of the liver.

Dickie was a cowboy, rancher, sheriff, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He worked hard, spoke his mind, helped when he could and always seemed to have a joke or saying ready.

It is difficult for our family to comprehend just how much knowledge went with him. We often talked about how he could have filled a book with everything he knew and the stories he had to tell. We only wish now that we had gotten the chance to hear and preserve more of it.

We will miss his humor, his stories and all the little things that made him who he was to us—Daddy and Grandpa. He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly and a lifetime of memories we will always hold close.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, September 9, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Pecos Funeral Home in Pecos, Texas. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial to follow.