Ricky 'Rick' Dubson

Ricky 'Rick' Dubson Monticello - Ricky "Rick" Dean Dubson, 74, of Monticello, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on May 25, 1951, in Monticello, Rick was the eldest of three children of Daniel S. Jr. and Thelma (Fowler) Dubson. Rick grew up on Kratz Farm in Monticello alongside his younger brother, Terry (Kristie) Dubson, and younger sister, Trudy (Jeff) Maden. Rick graduated from Monticello High School in 1969 and worked at General Cable in Monticello until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in February 1971. He completed Boot Camp at Fort Polk, La., and trained at Fort Sill, Okla., learning to assemble nuclear rounds for the howitzer before being stationed in Hanau, Germany. After his military service, Rick returned to Monticello in 1973, working as a farm hand and beginning a relationship with Melinda Ellen Hayes. After a nearly two-year courtship, Rick and Melinda married at Monticello United Methodist Church on Jan. 18, 1975. The couple later moved to Indianapolis, where Rick attended ITT Technical Institute. After receiving certification in HVAC, Rick returned to Central Illinois and began his longtime career in the trades - initially with Chief Bauer in Champaign, followed by Taylor Construction in Mahomet. Rick and Melinda welcomed three children: Matthew, Brandon, and Bryce. In 1980, Rick founded Dubson Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Inc., in Monticello, where he took great pride in serving the comfort and refrigeration needs of his Piatt County neighbors until his retirement in 2017. His dedication to helping others extended well beyond his business. For 38 years, Rick devoted himself to the Monticello Fire Department, joining in 1981 and serving as fire chief from 1984 until his retirement in 2019. His leadership helped the department secure vital equipment, including a new rescue truck and updated lifesaving gear, and his efforts contributed to improving the community's ISO fire protection rating. In the 1990s, he also helped establish Piatt County 9-1-1, a legacy that continues to benefit residents today. In 2014, Rick, along with the Monticello Fire Department, was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce. Whether through public service or volunteer work, Rick gave generously of his time and talents to make his community a better place. Rick volunteered as a coach for Little League and soccer, shared his HVAC expertise with Habitat for Humanity of Piatt County, and provided electrical services for Relay For Life of Piatt County. He also donated his time to Monticello's Sesquicentennial Celebration and supported the Monticello Marching Sages and Boy Scout Troop 122, where all three of his sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. An avid camper, he especially treasured traveling with the Boy Scouts to Washington, D.C., in 1993. Rick was also a member of Masonic Lodge 58, where he completed work through the third degree. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Thelma Dubson, his brother, Terry Dubson and his brother-in-law, Jeff Maden. He is survived by his wife, Melinda of 50 years; his sons, Matthew (Hether) Dubson of Noblesville, Ind., Brandon (Beth) Dubson of Monticello, and Bryce (Christa) Dubson of Monticello; his grandchildren, Carter (Evelyn), Kaiden, Quinn, and Isabella Dubson of Noblesville, Ind., Lukas Whitt and Brixton Dubson of Monticello, Waylon, Whitney, Wayne, and Wrigley Dubson of Monticello; his great-grandchild, Brooks Dubson of Noblesville. He is also survived by his sister, Trudy Maden, and his sister-in-law, Kristie Dubson, both of Monticello. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 5-7 p.m. at Mackey-Wright Funeral Home in Monticello. Graveside services will follow on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. at Monticello Township Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life immediately afterward at The Moore Building Ballroom in Monticello. The family requests casual attire be worn for the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Monticello Fire Department or Piatt County VFW.