John Stanford (Gus) Rickert passed away Nov. 10th, 2022 after a short illness. 

On July 24, 1935 Gus was born to Robert and Esther Rickert in a Railroad Station Section House in Seward, Kan. At the age of 5 his family moved to Ellinwood, Kan. Gus graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1953 at the age of 16 years old. He accepted a scholarship offer from Saint Mary’s of the Plains College, in Dodge City, to play quarterback for the football team.   

While playing football he acquired a broken right hand in the first half of a game. Being left handed, he was able to play the second half until he took a hit that broke his neck. This injury put an end to his football career and into the work force he went. Starting out at as a Manager of the Sherwin Williams store in Great Bend, home decorating became his career of choice. He met Evelyn Fish and they were married for 25 years. Two children were born to them, Stacy and Stan. Gus and Evelyn both operated Armstrong Home Decorating, Inc. in Great Bend. They divorced and Gus moved to Wichita to work for his son, Stan, at Rickert Industrial Coatings, before deciding to retire in Wichita.

Gus often employed humor as a tool to make others happy. He easily met and conversed with people. His most profound accomplishment was his defiance of alcohol, when he walked away from it 43 years ago. His love of God and the Catholic Faith was strong in his life as was is his love for his family and many, many friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Stacy Ranae Rickert Amon (Gerald) of Netawaka, Kan., Stanford Eugene Rickert of Cayce, S.C. (formerly of Wichita, Kan.); sister, Robin Lebbin (Ken) of Ellinwood, Kan.; four grandchildren, Brett (Lexi) Rickert of Cayce, S.C., Austin Rickert of Geneva, Switzerland, Ali Rickert of Kansas City, Kan. and Adam Amon of Kansas City, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews, and friends to his name!

Gus always had a positive outlook on life. His famous repeated statement was from Adam Clayton Powell, Jr... “Keep the Faith, Baby!” and Gus always did.

A Memorial and Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Wichita, Kan. and a private Graveside Service will be at Lakin Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 4, 2022