Richard was a self-proclaimed “bad boy” growing up. He helped on the farm as a child and into his teenage years, he did everything from hanging out with his cousin Leonard and his brothers to going to Cal’s Drive In to eat a burger that grandma made. When asking his friends about how, my dad was in his younger days, I was met with responses such as “Oh gosh, where do I start.” or Or my favorite, “you’re too young for those details.”

In 1963, he joined the Army and became a sergeant in the tank division at Ft. Hood, TX. He proudly served his country, but when asked to re-enlist, he politely said. “Thanks, but no thanks”.

In 1967 he met my mom, she asked for money for the jukebox, and he gave it to her and said “Play anything but Willie Nelson,” to which she played every Willie Nelson song on the jukebox. For whatever reason, they married, and two beautiful girls were born from this union. Pamela Penny and Kimberley Penny, one was a daddy’s girl and the other was his princess. I won’t tell you, which is which, but I can drive a stick shift and know the ins and outs of working on cars.

My dad met the love of his life, Verna Sanderson after his divorce. She connected with him on so many levels, and they were married October 23, 1987 in Wheeler, TX. They made a wonderful life together until her death. She was so good for him, she didn’t even like Willie Nelson.

Daddy mostly made a living driving water trucks, which he loved, but he did lots of different things...farming, an operator at Phillips 66 in Borger, TX, but mostly he drove a truck for a living. He once said, “Once a trucker, always a trucker, it’s in your blood.” He hauled water locally for Stone Oren and Wally Moler.

After his health failed and he moved in with me, it was interesting to say the least. He restored a 1941 F1, we went on trips where I learned more than I care to know about truck types, cotton, and wheat farming.

Daddy passed from his home on earth to be reunited with family and friends in his Heavenly Home on June 22, 2025 at the age of 84 years.

He was a good daddy; he always provided for our needs and had plenty of love to give. If you were one of the lucky people to get a hug from him, cherish the memory; he gave the best hugs. My dad was a strong man, protector, and provider. I love him and will miss him more than anything.

Daddy was loved by so many; he leaves behind a daughter, Pam Penny of Amarillo, TX.

A sister, Linda Cooksy of Verden, OK.

His grandchildren: Jodi Sanderson of Erick, OK, Andy Sanderson and wife Alicia of Erick, OK, Tony W. Sanderson and wife Paola of Erick, OK.

His great grandchildren: Dillion Pate, Dy”anna Pate of Borger, TX, Gabby Harkins and Paxton Crosby of Erick, OK, Madi Sanderson and Brooklynn Sanderson of Erick, OK.

His nieces and nephews: Darryl Penny and wife Heather of Erick, OK, EJ Musick and wife Lola of Ninnekah, OK, Trina Blades and husband Jay of Dalhart, TX, Jana Cambell of Canyon, TX, Crystal Knight and husband Peter of Kenosha, WI, Susan Maupin and husband Bobby of Oklahoma City, OK, Billy Bolander and wife Veronica of Taylor, TX, Molly Bolander, Connie Stanton and husband Scott of Garland, TX, Dale Leonard and wife Tonya of Plano, TX, Ricky Loomis and wife Angie of Sayre, OK.

Sister and brother-in-law: Tony Sanderson and wife Susan of Erick, OK, Patty Cargill and husband David of Taylor, TX, Betty Mathis, Jean Penny of Canyon, TX, Sue Penny of Kenosha, WI, James Brown of Dalhart, TX A stepdaughter Rebecca Powell of Borger, TX, and her sons Casey Jones, Tracy Jones, and Jacob Jones, all of Amarillo, TX.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his daughter Kimberley Penny, wife Verna Sanderson. 3 brothers: Nelson Penny, Elmer “Bud” Penny and Wayne Penny; 2 sisters: Helen Cagle and Betty Loomis; mother-in-law: Rosa Lee Sanderson; sister-inlaw: Bonnie Brown; nephews; Mike Penny and Bruce Penny and a niece Stacey Binnion.

He was loved by many but especially me.... written by: Pam Penny In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to help with funeral costs.