Randy Ricard, age 68, passed away on January 18, 2022, after a difficult struggle with COVID, in the hospital in Rolla, Mo.
Randy was born October 6, 1953, in Springfield, Mo. to Frank and Kathleen (McNabb) Ricard also from Springfield.
After graduating from Sterling High School (Colorado), at the age of 17, he joined the Navy and was deployed to Viet Nam on the LST-USS Westchester County.
On his return and Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Randy was a deputy sheriff for Weld County, Colorado. He then joined the Riverton, Wyo., police department where he served for over 20 years as an Officer and Canine handler and attained the rank of Sergeant. During his time in law enforcement, he received many awards and citations. After obtaining a Criminal Justice degree from the University of Wyoming, Randy was selected to serve as the Chief of Police in Buffalo, Wyo. While in Buffalo he was involved in an aircraft accident that effectively ended his career in law enforcement but not his love for life and adventure.
In 1985 Randy married the love of his life, Brenda (Williamson) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Randy had many interests and hobbies that highlighted his creativity and artistic abilities as well as his ability as an accomplished writer.
His interests included extensive biblical studies, leather working, distilling whiskey, motorcycle riding, horseback riding, flying, target shooting, hunting, fishing and was an avid student of the U S Cavalry in the 1800’s, an avid reader and student of the Civil War and WW ll. He was an aficionado of fine cigars and whiskey.
Randy was preceded in death by our father, Frank Martin Ricard and our Aunt Polly Anna McNabb, Uncle Reed McNabb and Uncle Lloyd Rose.
Randy is survived by his wife, Brenda (Williamson) Ricard, Heather Davis, Matt Davis and Mark Davis.
Mother; Kathleen (McNabb) Ricard
Aunt; Geraldine (Ricard) Rose
Grandchildren; Gabrielle Harrison, Cierra Davis, Logan Davis, Nyomi Stambaugh, Shanley Davis, Brannon Davis and Alaina Davis.
Brother and sister-in-law; Mark Ricard and Sandy (Villa) Ricard.
Nephews; Jake Ricard, Steve Ricard
Cousins; Jerry Kay (Rose) Sobery, Rick Rose, Mike McNabb, Terry McNabb, Scott McNabb.
Other close friends and relatives; Kevin (little brother) Williamson, Tonya (Mullings) Williamson, Jim Mullings, Joe Mullings, Tom Mullings.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and/or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
A visitation for Randy will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. The funeral service will take place on Monday, January 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Funeral home North. Burial will follow immediately after, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.