Ricky DeClue

(From Nichols Funeral Home)

Ricky D. DeClue, age 41, of Grove, OK, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, after a short battle with cancer. Ricky was born in Grove, Oklahoma on March 24, 1982 to Rockney ‘Rick’ and Rhonda (Jackson) DeClue.

He attended Grove Schools and was a lifelong resident of the Grand Lake area. He was an equipment operator for Delaware County for 19 years before going to work for Longan Construction as a truck driver.

 

Ricky was an outdoorsman who enjoyed frequent motorcycle rides and hanging out with his friends at the ‘Road Hog Saloon’. Horses were another of his favorite passions, but most of all, he was devoted to his children who were his pride and joy. God and family were his top priorities and he lived in a way to attempt to please all.

Ricky was a private person who took on his responsibilities in a straightforward manner, and always looked out for his loved ones in a strong and loving way. Some might say he had an ornery streak, and he owned it with a smile. He faced every challenge in his life with a positive attitude. Prior to his own battle, he selflessly took on the role of primary caregiver for his father who was fighting his battle with cancer and health issues. Ricky was the kind of person that made an impression. He will be greatly missed by many friends, family and acquaintances.

Ricky was preceded in death by his grandparents Wayne and Gloria Jackson; grandpa Rocky DeClue; mother and father-in-law Garrett and Carol Buzzard; and cousin Stacy Jordan.

 

Left to cherish his memory, his mother and father Rick DeClue and Rhonda DeClue, of Grove; wife, Jody DeClue, of Grove; children Caitlin DeClue of Joplin, Missouri and Dakota Declue of Grove, Oklahoma, brother Ryan Declue (Jessica) of Neosho, Missouri; grandmother Loretta DeClue of Potosi, Missouri.

Memorial services for Ricky will be at 2pm Friday, November 17, 2023, at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Chapel followed by a symbolic motorcycle ride and procession to Olympus Cemetery South, where Ricky will be laid to rest with his grandparents.