MSG (Ret) Robert "Bob" John Rickert

MSG (Ret) Robert John “Bob” Rickert, son of the late John Henry and Rose Ellen (Warren) Rickert, was born June 8, 1921 in Belleville, Illinois where he spent most of his childhood. At the age of 18, Bob attended CCC Camp and then entered the United States Army. He did tours in Panama and Germany during World War II. He was recalled in 1951 for the Korean Conflict, served as an advisor during the Vietnam War and retired from the military after 23 years of faithful service. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant and had also served for a time as a drill sergeant. On May 1, 1943, Bob was united in marriage to Essie Lorene Bryant. They celebrated 69 years of marriage together shortly before Essie’s passing on June 2, 2012. They were blessed with three children: Barbara, John and Pamela. In 1956, Bob became a ham radio operator (KØIQK). He enjoyed working on his radio and keeping in touch with those that he came into contact with through the radio. He also loved to do woodcrafts. Bob and Essie enjoyed traveling for a time in their RV and spent many weekends on the road at regional craft fairs. Bob was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in St. Robert. He was always willing to help with different projects before his health started to decline. Bob passed away Saturday, December 1, 2012 in the Missouri Veterans Home of St. James, Missouri having attained the age of 91 years, 5 months and 23 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Bob leaves to cherish his memory his three children: Barbara Shaw of Stoutland, MO, John Rickert (Sandra) of St. Robert, MO and Pam Houston (Ernest) of Dixon, MO; one brother: Bud Rickert (Rita) of New Athens, IL; two sisters: Shirley Leinecke of New Athens, IL and Mary of the state of Florida; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by one brother: Harold Rickert and one sister: Rose Ann Rigdon. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2012 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of St. Robert, Missouri. President Herman Blau conducted the service along with President Jim Bogle, Bishop William Oberholtzer and Elder Barry Smith. The congregation sang “I Stand Amazed” and “I Need Thee Every Hour”. Vocalist Amanda Housel sang “Oh My Father” and was accompanied by Mike Housel. Serving as escorts were Steven, Jimmy, Travis and Wesley Houston, Alex Turley, Rob Rickert and Jeffery Shaw. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood.

MSG (Ret) Robert "Bob" John Rickert

June 8, 1921 - December 1, 2012