Phillip E. Ricker Sr. passed away November 10th, 2023, at Patterson Health Center, Anthony, KS, surrounded by family who will dearly miss his larger-than-life presence and humor. A memorial service is scheduled for January 6, 2024, 11:00 am at Revolution Fellowship in Anthony, KS, 408 N. Santa Fe. He will be interred near his parents, grandparents, and son Phillip Bradley at the Wakita, OK, Cemetery.

Phil was born August 26th, 1942, in Anthony, KS, to George W. Jr. and Lois (Armbrust) Ricker of Wakita, OK. Phil grew up on the family farm near Wakita, raising wheat, cattle and hogs. In high school, he played football and was active in Future Farmers of America. As a senior, he made a TV appearance to speak on water conservation farming techniques. Phil was united in marriage on November 23rd, 1963, to Georgia R. Durant. In 1963, he graduated from Oklahoma State University with an Associate degree in Aeronautical Technology. In 1971, Phil bought his first dump truck ang began doing contract work with large mining and power plant operations in western Wyoming. In 1974, he moved back to Wakita and bought his semi, Big Red, contracting with local grain elevators and gravel suppliers, while moving the family to western Wyoming during the summer and fall to continue his contract work there. The family relocated to Anthony, KS, in 1975.

Phil was known for his mechanic and welding skills. His innovative designs have made him an internet sensation for his Caterpillar engine run semi, and a trailblazer for his 1973 red Chevy pickup's diesel engine, along with several modified SUVs. His welding skills were instrumental in the building of First Pentecostal Church, Wichita, KS, and his mechanic skills made it possible for the church to expand its bus ministry. He enjoyed hunting mule deer and elk in the Wyoming backcountry. After retiring from trucking grain, rock and lime, he repaired and sold 4-wheelers, and enjoyed trips with his children and grandchildren to area sand dunes.

He is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, his sister Roszella, and sons Brandon and Phillip Bradley, and granddaughter Abigail.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Georgia; his brother George (Cherie) Ricker of Sapulpa, OK; eight children Bryan (Charlene), Stephanie, Rhonda, Brandie Schulte (Chris) of Wichita, KS, and Phillip Jr. (Stacie), of Conway Springs, KS, Suzanne Ortiz (Daniel), of Ulysses, KS, Justin (Gena), and Jason (Kristin) of Anthony, KS; as well as 20 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.