Richard Charles Harrelson

Richard Charles Harrelson, 59, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2020 after a courageously fought battle against cancer. He was born on December 25, 1960 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

His parents, Kenneth Bascom and Donna Louise Harrelson, and his sister, Kenna Louise Horn, preceded Richard in death.

He is survived by his loving wife Lori; beloved son Chase; and loved children Nicole and Jarod, from Lori's previous marriage. His sisters-in-law, Joyce/Frank Scibilia and Lynn/Frank Kovalkevich; cousin Paula/Kenneth McWherter; and his nieces and nephews also survive him.

He met his soulmate and best friend, Lori, in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2006…they married, and they had been Team Harrelson ever since.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1979-1983, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his service, family farm roots and a love for horses inspired him to live out his dream of traveling the country as a rodeo cowboy. Richard then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree from Redlands University and to study Respiratory Therapy from California College, attaining his degree in 1993. He began his respiratory career working at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma, then ventured across the U.S. working several travel assignments, before starting at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas in 2006. Richard was proud to be a Respiratory Therapist. He was an advocate for his patients, mentored new therapists, and treated everyone with respect and dignity throughout his career. In 2018, Richard was honored to have been awarded "Employee of the Year", the highlight of his career. The love and support he received from his “second family” at Sunrise Hospital will never be forgotten.

Richard loved his three dachshunds: Clyde, Mikah, and Maci. He loved the outdoors, traveling, shooting, country music, watching old movies, but most importantly, spending time with his wife, Lori. Richard was passionately stubborn and strong-willed until the very end, yet shared a tender side around loved ones and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is respectfully requesting donations to the City of Hope Cancer Center, The Las Vegas Rescue Mission, or Blue Star Mothers of Henderson and Boulder City.

A full military burial will be held at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 8:40am. All are welcome to attend.

A "Reflection of Richard" gathering will also be held on April 10, 2021 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at the "Harrelson Bunker". So come, smile, and share a funny story or two. Richard would have wanted his life to be celebrated with love and levity. The cowboy in him will live on forever, as will our love for him. If you would like to attend please reach out to the Harrelson family for more information.

Good Ride Cowboy... Good Ride.