Richard Scott Bartlett

Richard “Rich” Scott Bartlett, 80, passed away on September 24, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on November 23, 1945, in Oakland, California to Robert Bowie and Mary Kathryn Bartlett.

Rich grew up in Walnut Creek, California where his childhood included tending horses and picking walnuts. He graduated from Del Valley High School where he played football and ran track. He then attended UC Berkeley.

Rich went on to serve 30 years in law enforcement, first in Berkeley before joining the Walnut Creek Police Department. Throughout his career, he experienced and accomplished some unique experiences. Some of the highlights include: helping to stop the Berkeley riots in the 1960’s, shaking hands with then-Governor Ronald Reagan, appearing on an episode of Unsolved Mysteries, saving a young woman from a kidnapping, and stopping a robbery at a local store. His dedication and skill earned him multiple awards, including an extra mile award and an expert marksman rating. His years in law enforcement were a source of pride and he especially enjoyed his time serving in the motorcycle division.

In 1984, Rich met Janice and they married in 1986, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span 40 years. They raised their two daughters in California, enjoying participating in their local church. Rich was an adult Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir for more than 20 years. While Rich took pride in his career and accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family. He especially treasured being a grandfather. He proudly displayed a frame on his license plate that read, “only the best dads get promoted to papa”.

Once retired from the force, he served for 27 years in the Gideons International. He held the positions of Camp President, Area Director, Vice President and then ultimately State President of California/Nevada North. He also served as Gideon Card Coordinator, Membership Coordinator and State Treasurer of California. After moving to Texas in 2023, he held the position in Texas of Gideon Card Coordinator and Membership Coordinator. He traveled to churches throughout California and then Texas, inviting others to participate in the mission. He believed wholeheartedly in the work of the Gideons and seeing the word of God distributed throughout the world, including an overseas trip to Ghana.

Rich will be remembered by his friends and family for his love of reading historical fiction, his great intelligence, his wonderful sense of humor and his knack for cooking delicious meals. He was a man who loved his family, was always willing to serve and was a devoted follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His faith was not something he simply spoke about; it was reflected in the way he lived and loved those around him.

Rich is survived by his wife of 40 years, Janice; daughters, Annette and Gina; and grandchildren, Jenna, Kaylee, Logan, Olivia, and Paige. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, and a beloved grandchild, Dayton.

Though deeply missed, we find peace in knowing that Rich is healed, whole and at home with his Savior.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, in the chapel at Watermark Community Church in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International­­­ on their website at: https://gideons.org/donate