Lloyd R. Ricks Sr. Obituary (1954

Lloyd Richard Ricks Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Lloyd finished the 7th Grade in Arkansas, but dropped out of school to work his family's cotton farm until 1952, when he joined the US Navy. He served in the US Navy Reserves from March 1952 to January 1954. Lloyd met the love of his life, Joan, on a beach in Boston while in the service and was married on June 12, 1954. They were married almost 60 years before she passed away in 2013. Lloyd worked as a Butcher/Meat Manager for 35 years when he retired in 1991. He also was appointed a Kenosha County Game Warden by the DNR, where he worked for 6 years. Lloyd loved being outside, enjoying many things, such as fishing, ice fishing, hunting deer, ducks, pheasants, geese, rabbits, squirrels, and snapping turtles. He enjoyed cooking, canning, mowing lawn, doing woodworking, collecting rifles, and especially being a Ducks Unlimited member for over 50 years. Lloyd is survived by his four children and family: Lloyd (Sharen) Ricks, Jr. Grandchildren - Vicki (Jason) Janas, Heather Clarke and Sone Khaochonethan, Scott (Nicole) Ricks, and Dennis Ricks. 9 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren Wayne (Sheila) Ricks Grandchildren Matthew (Rachel), Tanner (Savannah), and Grace. Great Grandchildren Aria and Ryah Dianna (Rick) Lang Grandchildren - Ashley Lang (Buck Sugden) and Ryan (Josh) Lang Great Grandchild Korbin Cheryl Kearns (Jeffrey Schacher) Grandchildren - Nathan Kearns, Nicholas (Mackenzie) Kearns, and the boys father, Brian Kearns who Lloyd thought very highly of. Great Grandchild Aiden Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife Joan; his parents Luther Lloyd and Geneva Athlee Ricks; and his siblings: Ann Mayberry, Dean Cooper, Nyoka Burns, Linda Mahler, Martha Mahler, and Bob Ricks. He leaves behind one last brother John Ricks. A Celebration of Life will be held by the family in the future. Eulogy by his grandson, Scott: "Grandpa was 92, but somehow it still feels too soon. He lived a life that mattered-steady, loyal, and full of purpose. He served his country when it needed him most, and he carried that same quiet courage into everything he did afterward. Being a war veteran didn't just define his past; it shaped the way he showed up for all of us. He taught us resilience by living it, not talking about it. To our family, he was more than a grandfather-he was a pillar. He was the kind of man who didn't have to raise his voice to command respect. He earned it through dignity, consistency, and a kind of strength that didn't advertise itself. He showed us what it means to work hard, to stay humble, and to take care of the people you love. We called him a legend because that's exactly what he was. Not in the loud, dramatic way we throw that word around today, but in the quiet, lasting way that sticks with you. He shaped who we are. He gave us stories worth telling and values worth keeping. His life made ours better- plain and simple. Today, we're grieving, but we're also grateful. Grateful that we got to learn from him. Grateful that his example is ours to carry forward. And grateful that even though he's gone, the impact of his 92 years doesn't end here. It lives in each of us. Gramps will always be with us. I know you missed your deer season with us but we know you will be with us in the stand next weekend. You will never be forgotten." 2b:[