Charles Raymond Rickard, 83, of Hanson, KY passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Baptist Health Madisonville.

He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953-1957. He was very patriotic, he loved his country, and he never missed the Veterans's Day Parade. So how appropriate to honor his memory this Saturday, which is Veteran's Day.

In 1957, he married the love of his life on October 31st, they just celebrated their 60th anniversary. In younger years his favorite quest was planning the family's yearly vacation in which he would choose a route to see as many states and National Parks possible in a two week period. He was the family's tour guide, and gave them all memories of a childhood full of adventures.

Many may have known him as the Hostess man, Lance man but his favorite job was working at Hanson Elementary School where all the children and staff fondly called him, Mr. Rickard.

Not only is he a Marine Veteran, he was also a veteran of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Jean were great warriors of the faith, teaching hundreds of home Bible studies in this area. You didn't talk to him long before you realized he was trying to influence you toward a life with Christ. In 1985 thru 1988 he and his wife were administrators at the Blue Mountain Children's Home in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. In 1995, he founded Zion Apostolic Church in Providence with a vision of loving people and winning souls for the Kingdom of God.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Archie E. Rickard.; two sisters, one brother; and a granddaughter, Autumn Brook Clark.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred Jean Rickard; children, Brad Rickard and wife, Deborah, Julie Frias and husband, Mario and Teresa and husband, Dr. David Oliver; grandchildren, Joel Rickard, Destin Rickard, Sarah Rose Frias, Caleb Oliver and wife, Allison, Brandon Shanks and wife, Kara; great-grandchildren, Sadie Oliver, Karter Shanks and Hudson Shanks; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be hosted by the Greater Lighthouse Pentecostal Church, 2860 N. Main St. Madisonville at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville is in charge of the arrangements. Burial to follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Hanson with military honors to be conducted graveside by the U.S. Marine Corp and the Hopkins County Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from Noon until the funeral hour Saturday at the church.