Our beloved father, Richard “Scudder” Clayton Vickers, passed away peacefully at home on the afternoon of Saturday, May 31, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. His passing came just weeks after a sudden and unexpected leukemia diagnosis. Despite the brevity and shock of the prognosis, Scudder faced his final chapter with courage, peace, and the deep faith that had long prepared him to meet the Lord. He now joins his cherished wife of 26 years, Eva Ann Vickers, along with the many loved ones who have gone before him.
Scudder was born on December 28, 1949, to Susan Elizabeth Armstrong Hanlon and Richard Beverly Vickers. He was raised in Cisco, Texas, where he cultivated a lifelong love for the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and sharing laughter with good friends. A proud graduate of Cisco High School, Class of 1969, and later a student at Cisco Junior College, Scudder remained closely connected to his classmates, lifelong friends and colleagues throughout his life. In his early adult years, Scudder became known for his extraordinary skill as a welder, a craft he practiced with precision, integrity, and pride. His exceptional workmanship earned him admiration both locally and far beyond, and his eye for detail was unmatched. He built not only the two homes his family lived in but also an immaculate workshop that reflected his careful, methodical nature. Over time, Scudder transitioned into a leadership role in the oil and gas industry, becoming a Regional Supervisor at Enbridge, where he was honored with retirement. He was deeply respected by his colleagues for his unwavering work ethic, humility, and mentorship. Many who crossed his path professionally were shaped by his guidance—and he took immense pride in those relationships, as he did with his beloved children and grandchildren. Scudder was a constant presence and compass in the lives of his children. His wisdom was a steady force, his love unwavering. He raised his family on the foundation of God’s Word, instilling strong values, deep faith, and enduring love. In his later years, his commitment to First Christian Church—the very church he attended as a boy—grew ever stronger. Leading Bible studies, attending worship, and diving deeply into Scripture brought him joy, community, and peace. When not at church or fellowshipping with others, Scudder could be found reading his Bible, watching sermons, or quietly tending to the simpler pleasures of life. He took pride in maintaining a yard that rivaled any golf course, and found solace in his deer stand, immersed in nature and reflection. Scudder’s life was one of quiet strength, devotion, and grace. He cherished the simple things and lived each day with purpose and love. His legacy of faith, love, and integrity will live on for generations to come. “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” —Psalm 145:4
Scudder is survived by his loving children: Nikki Kelton of Austin, Gretchen Johnson and husband Willard of Cisco, and Clay Vickers and wife, Amy of Brock. He is also survived by their mother, his former wife of sixteen years, Billie Jo Cason Hammett of Weatherford. In addition, he is lovingly remembered by his stepson, Jason Houghton and wife Candy, of Eastland. He was a proud grandfather to his adoring grandchildren: Natalee, Cason, and Zane Johnson; Shaylinn and Cheyanne Vickers; Bryson, Avary, River, and Ella Kelton; and Judah and Joshua Houghton. Scudder was the eldest of four brothers and is survived by his brothers Ben Hanlon of Cisco, Karl Hanlon of Eastland, and Pat Hanlon of Flower Mound, Texas.
