Ricky Earl Burrow, 69, of Coalgate, Oklahoma, passed away on September 30, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Dallas and raised in Red Oak, Ricky built a life defined by dedication, service, and unwavering love for those around him.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Katona (Woods) Burrow; daughters, Brandy Burrow (Richard) and Dana Grant (Cody); stepchildren, Robbie Humphus (Samantha) and Angela Hooks (Jason); his grandchildren, Josh Sain (Madi), James Walker (Kaylee), Jared Sain (Megan), Jordan Walker, and Nicole Sain (Adrian), Isaiah Rodriguez (Bella), Noah Rodriguez, Hensley Hooks, Jaxxon Hooks, and Katona Humphus; his great grandchildren, Raven and Nyomi, Zaelynn, and Oliver; his brothers, Steve Burrow (Sherri), Dan Burrow (Carla), and David Burrow (Karen); and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Onie and Ray Ann Burrow, and his furry best friend, Cocoa.

He leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and quiet strength. His family was his pride and joy, and he was affectionately known as "Pop" by his grandchildren and many others that loved him. Ricky's love and guidance have left an indelible mark on their lives. Oh, and of course, you can't forget about his special furry friend, Cocoa, who was a rock in his life when he needed it most!

A man of many talents, Ricky dedicated 19 years as a volunteer firefighter in Red Oak, Texas, selflessly serving his community. While working in the construction industry, Ricky showcased his craftsmanship and dedication by building an array of structures, from boat trailers to highways. His career took a remarkable turn when he embraced a new challenge, becoming a dispatcher for Red Oak and later graduating from the police academy at the impressive age of 50, a testament to his determination and resilience.

Ricky was an ornery man, not in the grumpy, bad-tempered way, but in the stubborn way. It wasn't with any ill intentions, he just had high expectations and he knew what kind of person you could be and he expected you to be the best version of yourself and he would do whatever needed to be done to make sure you had what you needed to achieve that in life. His warm heart and generous soul were evident in every aspect of his life. He was a man who believed in the power of community and the importance of family. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, and his laughter and wisdom will be cherished by all who knew him.

Ricky's legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering dedication. His memory will forever be held dear by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Let's be honest with each other here. If you knew Ricky, you know he would not want us all sitting around here crying over him so let's celebrate and remember the good times we all got to spend with him.

A celebration of Ricky’s life will be at 3:00p on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel in Lancaster, TX.