Homer Lewis Ricks, 84, of Waco, passed away November 21st with his loving family by his side. Funeral services will be 2PM Friday, November 23rd at Lake Shore Funeral home Chapel with Dr. Grear Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM Thursday, November 22nd at Lake Shore Funeral home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. The funeral home will open for calling hours at 4PM on Thanksgiving Day. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralhome.com.
Homer was born to H.V. And Vonnie Ricks on August 15th, 1928 in Headrick, Oklahoma. After graduating from Bokchita High School in Bokchita, Okla., he spent 6 years in Korea and Japan as a paratrooper for the U.S. Army. He was an experienced air conditioning mechanic and passed his expertise on to many others in the industry. In his spare time, Homer was a member of Chapter 59 Experimental Aircraft Association. After a couple of minor crashes, he gave up flying.
After retirement from Southwestern Bell in 1992, Homer took on the real job of gardening a 5 acre mini farm in China Spring. He was noted around the establishment known as Griff’s as one of the best tomato farmers in the area. He also grew tasty sweet corn, yummy cantaloupe and some of the largest turnips grown in the area. Homer, being the forever mechanic, also restored antique tractors for the farm as well as showing them in the "Texas Early Days Engine and Tractor Show" and driving them in area parades.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, H.O. Ricks, and Joe Ricks; and sisters, Christine Cole, and Rosa Lee Peppers.
Homer is survived by his loving wife Doris of 58 years sons, Marshall Ricks and wife Debbie of McGregor, and Warren Ricks and wife Linda of Lorena; grandchildren, Bradley Ricks, Melinda Bray, Matthew Ricks, and Grayson Ricks; six great grandchildren; brothers, Bill Ricks of Glen Rose, and Pat Ricks of Oklahoma; and sisters, Darlene Gauthier of Missouri, and Dorothy Comiskey of Odem.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Homer was a hard worker who was highly respected, deeply loved and forever remembered.
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Homer, you have fought the good fight and are now reaping the rewards in Gods forever home.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Homer’s passing. I remember him helping me rig and balance a model of a Ringmaster Jr. when I was flying control line models with Warren and Marshall. Good times that I’ll never forget.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of your in your time of sadness. Bless all of you.
Dear Doris, Warren and Marshal:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time in your life. Please know we have wonderful memories of Homer and your family.
Blessings,
Frank and Billie Hulke
My family has such good memories of Mr Homer. He grew the best tomatoes. We will miss him dearly. May your memories help you through this difficult time. All our love to Mrs. Homer. The Buices
Homer was always such a true blue friend to my father during his life, especially during Dad’s long illness. There was nothing Homer wouldn’t do to help us all. He was a wonderful, hardworking patriotic American — and the best air conditioning guy out there! I know that Homer and Dad are again flying together in the Heavens — this time, on angel wings instead of in their homebuilt airplanes! Doris, Marshall and Warren, may God comfort you and the rest of your family in your loss.
Mrs. Ricks, Pat, and Family,
I am blessed beyond measure to have been able to care for Mr. Ricks in his final months. I appreciated his quick wit and wicked sense of humor and will forever treasure those memories. Wishing you all God’s strength and peace, now and forever.
Warren,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I pray God will fill that void you are now experiencing.
Mike & Sandy