Ruben Roy Farmer, 35, was killed on January 20, 1980, while serving as an auxiliary officer with the Idabel Police Department. A United States Army veteran who had previously served seven years as a full-time officer, Farmer had remained active in the department after moving into business. His death occurred during a downtown riot sparked by the recent shooting death of a Black teenager. During a violent confrontation between officers and the crowd, gunfire was exchanged; Farmer was struck by a bullet that entered his back and exited his chest.

Wounded and in critical condition, Farmer was taken first to McCurtain Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Wadley Hospital in Texarkana, Texas, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was survived by his wife and child. Authorities later identified, apprehended, and convicted the person who fired the fatal shot. If anyone has information about Farmer, the riot or the events that led to his death, please share what is known.