Mr. Richard Paul Ricketts

Richard Paul Ricketts Sr. Age 76, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2019. He was a resident of Whitestown, IN. He was born July 14, 1943 to Milo A. Ricketts Sr. and Mary Margaret (Kline) Ricketts of Belle Center Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Milo A. Ricketts Jr., Ralph H. Ricketts, sister Ruth Pauline Kerns. Survived by his wife, Brenda (Rose) Ricketts, sons, Richard Paul Ricketts II "Hawk", Doug Ricketts, and Greg Ricketts, several grandchildren, sister, Betty Kreinbihl of Mansfield Ohio, brothers, Jack (Patricia) Ricketts of Gahanna, Ohio, Glenn (Joann) Ricketts of Cleveland, Ohio, William (Melva) Ricketts of Belle Center, Ohio, James (Judy) Ricketts of Scottsdale, Arizona; Sister in law Marcile Ricketts of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and numerous Nieces and Nephews. Richard (Dick) became a legend during his time at Belle Center High School where he received many honors. Basketball is where he truly shined. He went on to be recruited by the famous Fred Taylor and Frank Truitt to OSU. During his career with his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes he was third in scoring his sophomore year, His Junior year he was second in scoring, and as a Senior he was the leading OSU scorer as well as team Captain. After his time at OSU, he continued his career as a teacher and Head basketball coach at South High School in Columbus, Ohio where his reign as Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball team spanned nearly thirty years with his successes , championships, and recognitions continuing throughout his entire career until he retired from Columbus Ohio Public Schools in 1995.He was known to many as "Coach" and to a number of players he was more than that. He accepted the role of mentor and even father figure to some. After his move to Indiana, Richard came out of retirement and stepped back into teaching with the Indianapolis Public School system, He also worked for Kindred Pharmaceutical. Throughout his life he loved playing rounds of golf with his friends. He loved and cherished his time with his wife Brenda and son Hawk. He enjoyed reading his Bible daily and continued participating in church service with TPCC via live stream. His faith continued to grow stronger in his later years and he took pride in instilling the values of his upbringing that he was so proud of into his young son Hawk. He also loved sports and stayed devoted to watching his Buckeyes. An intimate gathering will be held for close friends and family following the holidays, A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held in Ohio at a later date. For more information feel free to contact the family at 317-769-0128 or 317-774-6346In lieu of flowers please send your cards to the family at 5779 Blue Sky Dr. Whitestown, IN.46075