Johnny Dale Ricks

Johnny Dale Ricks, 75, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at his home in Chelsea, Oklahoma.

A memorial service celebrating Johnny’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Harbor Church in Chelsea.

Johnny was born May 28, 1951, at home in Chelsea, Oklahoma, to Glen Morris and Willard Elizabeth (Kilpatrick) Ricks. He attended Chelsea schools, where he excelled in football and baseball. Following graduation, Johnny attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. A short time later, he joined the National Guard.

During this time, Johnny began dating Joyce Johnson. The two were married on March 24, 1972, and together they raised two sons, Erick and Derick. They made their home in Catoosa.

Johnny began working for Tulsa United Steel Erection, which led him to a career as a crane operator. In 1984, he began working for Bennett Steel, where he remained until retiring in the mid-2000s.

After retirement, Johnny moved to California, where he returned to work at a naval base. While there, he helped construct buildings used for training and demolition exercises. Following a knee injury, Johnny decided it was time to slow down, and returned to Oklahoma. He later worked for several years performing inspections for OSHA.

After his final retirement, Johnny moved to Arizona for a few years before returning to his hometown of Chelsea in 2020.

Johnny enjoyed many things in his spare time. He loved watching football, taking the occasional trip to the casino, following horse racing, and taking great pride in keeping his lawn looking immaculate. Above all, he will be remembered as a hardworking man who lived life on his own terms and loved his family.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Willard Elizabeth Ricks; sister, Glenda Donelson; and infant sister, Norma Ricks.

He is survived by his sons, Erick Ricks and wife Catesa, and Derick Ricks; step-daughter, Jessica Scribner and husband Jason; grandchildren, Anthony Ricks and wife Alex, Casha Spencer, Cierra Hassell and husband Creedon, Haven Lentz and husband Dakota, and Evan and Ruby Scribner; brothers, Tommy Ricks and wife Shirley, Glen Ricks Jr. and wife Carolyn, and Ronnie Ricks; brother-in-law, Bob Donelson; and 10 great-grandchildren.