SMSGT USAF Retired Alvester M. Ricks 84 of Belton Missouri passed away May 13th, 2020. He is survived by his children, Carolyn Lakey (Ricky), Gina King (Darryl) Julie Hallifax (David); two grandsons who love their Poppy, Tristan Ricks (Selena) Matthew Byous (Christina); granddaughter Rebecca; four great grandchildren Kinley, Maximus, Jack and Tessiana; many nieces and nephews and their families. Al was the patriarch of his family and may his legacy live on through those of us that are left behind. Uncle Coy is watching over all of us now.
“Al” as so lovingly known as to all who knew him retired from the Air Force after 28 years. In those 28 years he was able to take his family along and see many parts of the world including Italy, England & Japan and he was stationed in Galena, Alaska and Thule, Greenland for yearlong remote tours. Al was able to let his family see what the world had to offer. After Al retired from the Air Force, he began his career with the Adam’s Mark hotel in Kansas City as their head pastry chef. Al loved baking and making all kinds of sweet things. After many more years at the Adams Mark it was time for Al to retire again.
Al was born in Severn, North Carolina to Venessie & Wrapsie Ricks. After graduating from Willis Hare High School in Pendleton, North Carolina he joined the Air Force where he began his career in food services and met the love of his life Jane. When he retired at the rank of SMSGT he had attained the Food Services Superintendent title. Al was honored to have been one of the chosen veterans for an Honor Flight from Kansas City to Washington D.C. in October 2018. He was able to see many of the military memorials during the day trip and he was so proud and beaming during this trip.
Al was an Elder at the Belton Presbyterian Church and will always be remembered for his kind heart and huge smile. His favorite sport teams are the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. There were many a day when Poppy would sit back in his recliner with a radio by his side and an earpiece in his ear listening to the Royals games. Their World Series wins were the best of times. He never gave up on the team. After a good win there was always a phone call to him starting out with, “How bout them Royals”. The Kansas City Chiefs would give him fits just to be oh so close but just not there yet and this year the Chiefs proved that they are the Best in the NFL. Super Bowl Champions once again. And as with the Royals the phone calls would come and start off with, “How bout them Chiefs”.
Al enjoyed bowling as one of his longtime sports. That 300 game was missed by just a few pins. Shooting pool and playing cards was an enjoyment spent with his dear friends at Pickering Place.
Daddy, Dad, Poppy, Uncle Coy, Al are the names most used when you referred to him. You will be missed by all of us.
“Your race is done Poppy but it was one hell of a race.”
Alvester is preceded in death by his wife Jane L. Ricks, son Anthony Avalon (Tony) Ricks, His parents Wrapsie & Venessie Ricks, Miss Ruth, Brothers Rufus,Lee, Bobby, Wrapsie Jr and Leon. Sisters Theresa, Roslyn, Olean and Idelle (Aunt Sister).
There will be a drive-through visitation Friday, May 29th from 5pm-7pm at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64145. Private memorial services will take place May 30th and burial will follow at Mt Moriah cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Al’s life at a later date.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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