Don Ricks

RICKS, Mr. Don Edward “Sluggo” - Age 67, of Flint, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Hurley Medical Center. Wake 6-8PM, Friday, July 24, 2009 at Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., where the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Memorial Service will be held at 7PM, under the auspices of Omicron Rho Chapter. Family hour 10AM Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11AM, Rev. Dr. Tara Sutton officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at Bethel 10AM Saturday. Mr. Ricks will lie in state at Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from 12Noon-8PM Friday. Mr. Don Edward “Sluggo” Ricks was born August 10, 1941 in Chattanooga, TN to Irene Neloms Ricks “Kazie” and John D. Ricks. It was love at first sight for eighteen-year-old Don when he met his wife, Johnnie Lou Roberts, literally the girl next door. Don’s family built their home next door to Johnnie’s and he proposed to her over the cake that she baked for his birthday one year after meeting. Always the romantic, Don said, “WYBMW” (Will you be my wife)? Lucky for him, Johnnie said, “yes” and four years later, after Don graduated from Tennessee State University, they were married. From this union three daughters were born: Donna, Johnnetta, and Loudean. Don received his Master of Arts from Michigan State University and completed all but the dissertation (ABD) from University of Michigan. Awards and recognitions include: Developed School Bus Aide Program, Middle School Principal of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Fundraising Award, United Methodist Men Leadership Award, Stonegate Manor Board of Directors. After 40 years working as an educator, union president, and ultimately Director of Special Education, Don retired from the Beecher Community School District. Ever the consummate workaholic, Don found time to sell real-estate and remodel old houses. As an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church for 24 years, Don held numerous positions including: Videographer, Grant Writer, Liturgist, Coordinator of Trips to Detroit Lions Football Games, Coordinator of President Obama Inauguration Trip (2009), Trustee Chairperson, United Methodist Men Treasurer, Finance Chairperson, Choir Member, Coordinator of Tutoring Program, Lay Speaker, Kitchen Helper. As an active member of Omega Psi Phi, Omicron Rho Chapter, "Sluggo" served as both Basileus and Dean of Pledges, Keeper of Records and Seal and Keeper of Finance. Don won many fundraising awards for selling the most tickets in some of his chapter events. With a very strong commitment to his family, no matter how busy Don became, there was always time for his childrens’ activities and/or transporting them somewhere. As a strong man with deep convictions, he was humorous, non-judgmental, compassionate, wise beyond his years, a visionary, critical thinker, analyst, advisor, a doer and generous with his time. Traveling, fishing, riding his motorcycle, fixing up things, and being with his family were his main interests. As a loving husband, excellent father, friend and counselor, he will be surely missed. Mr. Don Edward Ricks “Sluggo” leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife, Johnnie L. (Roberts) Ricks; 3 daughters, Donna Jeanine Ricks of Alexandria, VA, Johnnetta Susan-Cornelia Ricks of Detroit, MI, and Loudean Kazy Ricks of Flint, MI; 3 sisters, Betty Joyce (Ricky) Lloyd of Los Angeles, CA, Irene Allen and Wanda Malone, both of Chattanooga, TN; 2 brothers, John Tyrone Ricks of Chattanooga, TN and Mukasa “Papa” (Maimuna) Dada of Atlanta, GA; 2 sisters-in-law, Audrey (William) Stallings of Yonkers, NY and Ruby C. Roberts of Nashville, TN; 2 brothers-in-law, Willie Carter of Chattanooga, TN and Gilbert Roberts of Flint, MI; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Mr. Ricks was preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Irene Ricks; brother, Arndell “Joe” Ricks; and sister, Theresa “Bonnie” Carter.

Don Ricks

August 10, 1941 - July 16, 2009