Carlyle E. Gricks Jr.

DIAMOND, Mo. — Carlyle E. Gricks Jr., age 79, of rural Diamond, Mo., passed away at 11:35 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin, following a two month illness. Carlyle was born July 27, 1930, in Oil City, Pa. He moved to Diamond in 1967, following his retirement from the U. S. Marine Corp. after 20 years of service. He had served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Missouri Horseshoe Association. He was a Missouri State Champion in horseshoes and was inducted into the Missouri Horseshoe Hall of Fame. Carlyle married Patricia Hartle April 11, 195,1 in Oil City. She survives. Additional survivors include two daughters, Cynthia Louise Cooper and husband, Bruce, Peoria, Ill., and Victoria Garcia, Tacoma, Wash.; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a son, Carlyle E. Gricks III. Carlyle's wishes were to be cremated. Memorial contributions are requested to St. Jude's Children Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary, of Joplin. Online condolences may be made at masonwoodard.com