I’m a Hoosier share cropper’s son. Born near Rensselaer, IN, May 10, 1916. My Father, a TB victim at age 35, with 6 children. “Go to Arizona” was the cure. My folks loaded up a 1923 Buick Touring car in 1927. By dirt roads headed for AZ. On way picked up two hitchhikers. My brother and I had to ride the front fenders, the rest of the way. Things were tough, no jobs, worked with the P.W.A. 1932 joined the National Guards at age 16 was two years young. Mainly for one dollar received drill nights. 1937 married school sweetheart, 56 years of happy beautiful years. 1941 Dec. 20th shipped overseas served in World War II 4 years. South Pacific, New Guinea most of the time. Returned to the U.S. landed V.J. Day August 13, 1945. After returning to Phoenix, brother Don and I began manufacturing trailers for 10 years under the name “Arizona Trailer Hooks” discontinued trailers and trailer hitches only under the name “Ricks Hitch Works” for another 13 years. 1968 sold and retired, did nothing for a year. Next 5 years in real estate and developing land in Pine and Strawberry, AZ. In 1992 my wife passed away, met Barbara in late 1993 and married in February 1995. Have had nine more beautiful and happy years. Came to Friendship Village Oct. 1st 03. A complete change of life. So far so good and gets better by the day. If ever one needs a friend, surely can do so here.
Note: My dad lived to be 86 “Good Old Arizona”. Mr. Ricks passed away August 23, 2012 in Tempe, AZ. He was preceded in death by his daughter Carolyn Jo, he is survived by 4 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Services for Mr. Ricks will be Friday August 31, 2012 at 10:00 am at Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ.