Rickey Earl Shew

Rickey Earl Shew was born on March 18, 1952, in Hughes Springs, Texas. On January 24, 2026, he peacefully left this life to be with the Lord.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, James Earl Shew ("B") and Clifford Eugene Tramel Shew ("Cliff"); his brothers, Stephen Allen Shew and Larry Wayne Shew; and his beloved sister, Jamie Sue Murphy (Shew).

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Debby; his daughter, Tracy and son-in-law, Reno Romo; and his son, Rick Shew ("Rickey Joe"). He was a proud and loving "Papa" to his cherished grandsons, Hunter, Holden, and Heath Ruppert, his granddaughters, Hadley and Harper Shew; his nephews Jessie Shew and Jason Davenport.

Rick also leaves behind great-grandchildren: James, Jaden, Jules and Kailah; cousins, aunts, uncles, and an abundance of dear friends and former colleagues.

A carpenter and truck driver by trade, Rick eventually fulfilled a lifelong dream inspired by his father-in-law, Roy Brooks and his Uncle Verl Tramel. In 1984, Rick began his law enforcement career with the Irving Police Department. Two years later, he joined the Mesquite Police Department, where he earned the nickname "Rocket!" and built an extraordinary career.

Rick's service spanned assignments from patrol on dangerous streets to Credit Card Fraud, SWAT, Sergeant, and ultimately Lieutenant. He retired in 2014 after a 30-year career defined by courage, dedication, leadership, and honor. Upon retirement from the MPD, Rick became one of the five original history-making Mesquite Deputy Marshals.

Above all, Rick was a loving husband and best friend to Debby, a devoted father, a proud Papa, a caring brother and uncle, a loyal friend, a respected fellow officer, and a passionate, avid fisherman. He was honest to a fault, clever, funny (with the best laugh), and loved to take the scenic routes (especially with his Uncle Orvis Tramel, which we are certain they should have had adult supervision).

Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:8:

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord."

Rick has merely crossed over into the Promised Land. We invite all who knew and loved him to join us in celebrating a life well lived and a legacy that will endure.

Honorary Pallbearers: Randy Smith, Jim Ruppert, Tommy Oliver, Ron Parker, Rick Yarber and Mike Stewart