Obituary of Frederick E. Ricks

"Fred" Age 77, formerly of Horseheads, NY, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Knoxville, Tennessee after a long, courageous battle with many health issues. Fred was born in Bainbridge, New York on April 1, 1939 to the late Charles and Margaret Taylor Ricks. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 34 years, Janet L. Ludwig Ricks; brothers, Richard (Marilyn), Thomas (Shirley), Robert, and sister Marilyn; brother-in-law Ed Lonie; brothers and sisters-in-law; Jack, Tom and Betty, Bud and Mildred, Dick, Rich, and Ray. His faithful traveling companion Coco. Special friends, John and Kay Abel and John and Delores Bogart. Fred is survived by his wife of 22 years, Beverly Ricks with whom he spent his years of retirement living in Tennessee with their dogs Shelby and Whiskers. They enjoyed traveling the countryside in their RV and spending summers in New York with Family and Friends. Fred will be deeply missed by his loving daughters and sons-in-law; Karen and Dan Aber, Kelly and Chuck Swanson, Julie and Joe Becraft. Grandchildren; Tricia (Greg) Burt, Jack Aber (Meagan), Danny and Beth Swanson, Zack and Janet Jaynes (Jeff) and Joey Becraft. Sister, Cheryl Lonie; many special-in-laws and loving nieces and nephews. Fred and Janet cherished their many friends and camping buddies they met throughout the years, along with special friends Lonnie and Ruthann Wida. Following high school, Fred served in the United States Army Reserves in Ft. Hancock, NJ where he received an Honorable Discharge in March of 1960. Fred went on to work for Coyne Textile Services where he retired in 1994. Along with his wife Janet, he was the caretaker of Maplehurst Park in Horseheads, NY. Fred loved working outside in the yard and no matter where he lived he always had the neatest lawn on the block. Fred was a devoted Dale Earnhardt fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He always rooted for the Tennessee Volunteers Football Team. He loved spending time tinkering in his garage and always made sure there was a shine on his "Chevy". Our "Dad/Papa" taught us all to be strong, brave, and most importantly to never give up. Private family services will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements in loving care of McInerny Funeral Home.