Born and raised in Kansas City, Rick attended Turner High School until transferring to Piper High School his Junior and Senior year where he met Denise. He worked as a heavy construction mechanic, and anyone who knew him said he was the best wrench man they ever met. His talents were even recognized in Hot Rod magazine. He loved anything with motors, wheels and speed. But more than anything he loved spending time with his grandkids and teaching them how to fish, work on motors, play ball and ride dirt bikes. They adored their Papa and thought there was nothing he couldn’t do. He valued honesty, hard work and a man’s word…a handshake was all he ever needed.
Rick was charismatic, compassionate, and giving; if he had a dollar in his pocket, he would give it to whomever needed it. Everyone knew all they had to do was call him up and he’d be right out to fix whatever problem they had. Rick lived life to the fullest which at times led to some crazy events, but he always said ‘It will be alright!’ and ‘never look in the rearview mirror.’
Rick is survived by the love of his life, Denise (Smith) Smarker, his four children Beth (Shawn) Fields, Lindsay (Nick) Svarczkopf, Jacob (Bethany) Smarker, and Laura (Zach) Kelley. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Braxton and Tenley Fields, Claire, Vince and Christine Svarczkopf, and Kenzington Rae Kelley.
Rick would have wanted nothing less than a big party to honor his life! All of those he loved and touched please join the family in a Celebration of Life on July 13th, at 4:00 p.m. at his home, 10138 Hollingsworth Rd. Kansas City, KS 66109. In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or Breast Cancer Research Foundation. These foundations held significant meaning to Rick.
