Richard Coleman Clark Bibb, MD, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, in Wichita Falls, TX, following a stroke and a year of declining health. Born on September 12, 1938, in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the child of Margaret Clark and David Porter Bibb.
Known affectionately as “Doc,” Dr. Bibb led a full life rich in service and intellectual pursuit. After spending part of his childhood in Amagansett, NY, he graduated from Louisville Male High School before earning a degree in studio art from Yale University. He was among the first graduating classes of the University of Kentucky School of Medicine. Following psychiatric training in Phoenix and St. Louis, Dr. Bibb served as a Major in the U.S. Air Force, choosing to be stationed in Wichita Falls where he cared for and supported Vietnam soldiers (some of whom had been prisoners of war) returning to the USA.
Dr. Bibb had a passion for art, but found his true calling as a psychiatrist, and remained in Wichita Falls to establish a private practice. He was instrumental in founding Red River Hospital (originally Medicenter Psychiatric Hospital). In 2023, he was extremely proud to attend and be honored alongside friends and colleagues at the hospital’s 50th anniversary celebration. Later in life, Dr. Bibb continued practicing psychiatry through locum tenens work with the Department of Defense and Indian Health Service across Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. During that time, he developed a deep connection to New Mexico.
Dr. Bibb’s interests were vast – art and printmaking, history, politics, economics, sports, and genealogy. He relished sharing stories about his family and life adventures, which included caring for horses, playing tennis and golf, and a brief stint of boxing. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, quirky sense of humor (aka “Granddad jokes”), and his catchphrase: “Let’s keep the ball rolling…” His legacy will live on in the form of his resilience, appreciation for art and medicine, love for chocolate, and all of his unique qualities which have helped shaped the lives of those whom he leaves behind.
Dr. Bibb was predeceased by his parents, brother David Porter Bibb Jr., and brother-in-law Donald Horn. He was fiercely proud of his surviving siblings Susannah Horn, Walter (Regina) Bibb, Elizabeth (Michael) Yamashita, and Robert Bibb; children Eleanor Bibb, Bill (Suzanne) Bibb, Cynthia (Wes) Pectol; grandchildren Patrick (Monika) Bibb, Ryan (Young) Bibb, Wes Pectol III, Ellie Pectol; great-grandchildren Henri, Benjamin, and Oliver Bibb; and special friends David Band, Cheryl Johnson, and Beverly Schoppa. The family is forever grateful to them, the staff of Beyond Faith Hospice, and all of his caregivers.
A celebration of Dr. Bibb’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Helen Farabee Centers for behavioral health, PO Box 8266, Wichita Falls, TX 76307, or Wichita Falls Police or Fire Departments for their dedication to ensuring the wellness of the elderly in the community.