C. L. “Leapy” Rickard
Funeral services for C. L. “Leapy” Rickard, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 20, 2013, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rickard died at 2:47 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at Ozarks Medical Center.
He was born December 31, 1925, at Whittier, California, to Cliff Rickard and Frances Gladys Morgan Rickard. He graduated from West Plains High School with the Class of 1942. Mr. Rickard was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during the Battle of The Bulge and was a machine gunner. On June 30, 1990, he was married at Dora, Missouri, to Gail Bruce. Mr. Rickard was a businessman and had been the owner and operator of Ozark Gas Company and West Plains Distributing. He was also a professional pilot and had a farm in the Dora area. Leapy enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid golfer and loved to travel; he spent a great deal of time in Mexico. Leapy also enjoyed horse shows; and had shown horses at Missouri Fox Trotters competitions. Mr. Rickard was a Christian and supported the St. Paul Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Rickard, of the family home; one son, Cliff M. “Skip” Rickard, wife, Karen, Dora, Missouri; two step-sons, Mike Hill, wife, Kristin, St. Louis, Missouri and Shaun Patrick Mullen, wife, Natasha, St. Louis, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Lesa Brune, Shelly Rickard, Melanie Elmore, Brandon Rickard, David Hill, Alex Hill, Monique Mullen, Chanel Mullen and Race Mullen; six great-grandchildren, Cliff “Scooter” Rickard, Steven Brune, Joseph Brune, Patricia Rickard, Henry Rickard and John Rickard; one sister, Josephine Martin Collins, West Plains, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews, including Peggy Martin, Leslie Belcher and Mark Rickard.
His parents and two brothers, Gene Harry Rickard and Dale Beam, precede him in death.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Saturday at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Medical Center’s Cancer Treatment Center, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Sue Carter
October 18, 2013 @ 11:26 am
My deepest sympathy goes out to my very dear friend Gail who has lost her soulmate Leapy, together over an extended period of time they endured so very much seeking the medical treatment necessary to sustain our dearly beloved . He holds a special place in my heart and I will always remember his smiling face, laughing eyes and comical remarks. He will be truly missed and always loved. My prayers are with you my friend may you be in peace…
gordon gorajewski
October 18, 2013 @ 3:25 pm
We would like to express our condolences to the family of Leapy Rickard, although I had never met Leapy I have heard many wonderful stories from Skipper about him. I have known Skip for a good number of years and know that he truly loved his dad and had many wonderful years with him. He truly will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow and remembrance. Sincerly the Gorajewski Family Gordon Therese Ian and Devon
Greg temple
October 18, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
One of the first persons I met in west plains, and treated me like he had known me all my life. One of the smartest, kindest, and funniest friends I have ever had. Many wonderful memories down on the ranch. I always knew if I needed anything, it would have only been a phone call away. I will miss him deeply.
Barbara (King) Williams
October 21, 2013 @ 12:19 pm
I truly enjoyed working with Leapy. He and daddy made the best of partners. I will never forget them. Time just passes way too fast! Remember the good times and he will always be close to your hearts.
Skippy, it has been a long time since I’ve seen you. I hope and pray that you, Karen and all of your family are well and healthy. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you, Barbara
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
October 21, 2013 @ 12:28 pm
God bless and hold you close!
Shelley Surface
October 22, 2013 @ 9:59 am
Gail,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I am thinking of you during this time. Shelley
Carolyn Hall an family
October 22, 2013 @ 2:57 pm
I remember the Rickard family from years ago–took care of Karen and Skip when they came into hospital years ago–was with Karen–their first baby also–love an prayers an sympathy
Abigayle Lofgren
November 10, 2013 @ 10:57 am
Dear Gail, and family, I just saw this today was was flooded with so many wonderful memories that Leapy and you made possible for Jim and I. Our times together in Mexico were life-time experiences, that will always be remembered with a smile.
Leapy was a warm, giving man, who shall be missed by many. He had a good run! Abigayle Lofgren