Obituary of William Ricks

William Raymond "Bill" Ricks Funeral services for William Raymond "Bill" Ricks of Eolia, MO, were held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2005 at the Eolia United Methodist Church in Eolia. Rev. Lee Hartley, pastor of the Ramsey Creek Baptist Church near Paynesville, MO, officiated with burial in Eolia City Cemetery in Eolia. Serving as pallbearers were, Jimmy Hunter, Bob Street, Greg Wyble, Tom Meyer, Geoff Sterne, and Walter Northcutt. Arrangements were handled by Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry, MO. Mr. Ricks, 88, died early Thursday morning, April 28, 2005 at Silex Community Care Center in Silex, MO. Born October 25, 1916 in Winfield, MO, he was the son of William Thomas (Willie T.) and Ada Dawkins Ricks. He graduated from Winfield High School in 1934. He was united in marriage on October 27, 1943 in St. Louis, MO to Kathryn Frances (Franny) Jacobs. A veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force from February 6, 1942 until January 28, 1946. Mr. Ricks was employed as Control Room Operator at Hercules, Inc. in Louisiana, MO until his retirement January 1, 1979. After his retirement he was a driver for Randy Blunt Auto Dealership. He was a member and past Commander of the VFW in Eolia; a former member of the Eolia City Cemetery Board, and a member and former board member of the Eolia United Methodist Church. Besides his parents, William and Ada Ricks, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathryn (Franny) Ricks on June 26, 1999. Survivors include one son, George W. Ricks and his wife, Cindy, of Eolia; one daughter, Mary Guy Nichols and her husband, Gary, of Columbia, MO; seven grandchildren: Katy Speciale and her husband, Todd, of Orlando, FL, Zac Nichols, Tori Nichols, Zane Nichols and Baleigh Nichols all of Columbia, and Heidi and Tyler Ricks of Eolia; and two great-grandchildren, Averigh and Addyson Speciale of Orlando, FL. He also leaves one sister, Mildred Ricks of Elsberry, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Visitation was held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2005 at Eolia United Methodist Church in Eolia. Memorials may be made to the Eolia City Cemetery or the Eolia United Methodist Church in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South Fifth Street, Elsberry, MO 63343.