Robert Lewis Rickus Jr.

Robert Lewis Rickus Jr. was born July 7, 1947 to the late Robert L. Rickus and Bernice "Tooky" Barnhart Rickus.  He departed this life on July 13, 2019, at the age of 72, at his residence in Farmington, Missouri. 

Bob grew up in Farmington attending St. Paul Lutheran School and Farmington High School.  After graduating, Bob received a basketball and cross-country scholarship to Arkansas State University.  After two successful years at Arkansas State, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.  After serving his country honorably, Bob enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University where he received a B.S. in education. 

In 1972, Bob began a 20-year teaching and coaching career at Bismarck High School.  He taught history, coached the varsity baseball team, assisted with the varsity basketball team and coached the junior varsity basketball team.  Under Bob's tutelage the Indians Baseball team won 9 district titles, and 2 MAAA Conference Tournament Titles, and won over 300 games along with many other titles and awards.  During this time period he was named J-98 Coach of the Year and won numerous "District Coach of the Year" awards. 

In 1993, Bob taught and coached at North County High School until his retirement in 2000.  During this time period he was with the North County basketball program for 5 years where he coached the freshman basketball Raiders, and assisted with the varsity.  His freshmen teams had 4 championships, 2 undefeated seasons, and 3 state championships.  Also, during this 5-year period, Bob was a great contributor to the varsity basketball Raiders.  In 2000, he was named the "Missouri Class 3 Assistant Baseball Coach of the Year". In 2018, Bob was inducted into the North County Hall of Fame and recognized for all of his career accomplishments. 

Survivors include a lifelong girlfriend of over 30 years, Noy Shearin of Farmington; one daughter, Rhenda (Jesse) Cortor of Farmington; one grandson, Joshua Moore of Cape Girardeau; Two sisters: Sandra (Robert) Pratte of O'Fallon, MO and Beth Freeburg of Farmington; one nephew, Jason (Dawn) Pratte; and one niece, Maridee (Matt) Neilsen.  Other loved ones include Jason (Lori) Shearin, Billy Sherain, Hopper and Tulia Shearin.  Proceeded in death, along with his parents, one nephew, Brandon Pratte and one brother in law, Eric Freeburg. 

There will be a private service at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bismarck R-5 Athletic Department, P.O. Box 257, Bismarck, MO 63624 in honor of Coach Rickus.  Arrangements are under the direction of C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Farmington.