Joe A. Richert Sr.

1921 - 2015

Joe A. Rickert, Sr.
Harlingen -
Joe A. Rickert Sr., 94, was born in Mercedes, Texas on Feb. 10, 1921 and went to be with the Lord on Sept. 21, 2015. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Joe was one of twelve children raised on a farm in the Mercedes area. In addition to working as a farmer, he worked as a mechanic and also was a Volunteer Fireman in Mercedes. In the days of the Great Depression, Joe worked in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). The CCC was a public relief program created under President Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal Plan". The CCC gave government assistance to young unemployed men but they had to work for it. The CCC provided the men with clothing, shelter and food and a wage of $ 30 a month ($25 of which they had to send home to their families). During that time of the CCC workers planted 3 billion trees to help reforest America and constructed or upgraded 800 parks nationwide.
After leaving the CCC, Joe enlisted in the U.S. navy and proudly served as a Seaman First Class on several naval vessels in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was joined by three brothers who were also veterans of WWII.
Joe returned to Mercedes after WWII and found employment with Southwestern Bell Telephone as a cable splicer and completed a successful career of 37 years.
Joe was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. After his retirement he raised a bountiful vegetable garden every year and also raised cattle. Last but not least he was a great Dallas cowboy football fan and seldom missed watching a game.
Joe had a long and blessed life and will be greatly missed by his many family member and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Anna Rickert of Mercedes, Texas and his loyal, devoted wife of 69 years, Frances who passed away just 3 weeks before his passing.
He is survived by two sons, Joe Rickert Jr. and Jim Massey (Kaye); two grandsons, Wade Massey (Amy) and Westin Massey (Sarah); and three great grandchildren, Kayla, McKenzie and Tyler. Also surviving are two sisters, Shirley Weber and Ann Hardeman and many nieces and nephews.
As per his wishes a private graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 703 W. 3rd St. Mercedes, Texas 78570.
A special thanks to the staff at Gentiva, especially Ruth who brought joy and laughter into his day. Also gratitude and appreciation to his faithful caregivers, Lee, Ana, Lucy and Tootsie for their kindness and generosity.
You are invited to sign the guestbook or share a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.
Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.