Ricky L Tyson

Mr. Tyson was a truck driver and tractor-trailer inspector for many years. He loved fishing and was a member of the St. Clair County Anglers and the Biebel’s Fishing Club. Rick was a huge NASCAR fan and his “pride and joy” was his 1988 Harley-Davidson Heritage Soft Tail. Above all else, his greatest love was his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Betty J., nee Jarrell, Tyson; a grandson, Jonathan Tyson; a brother, Randy Tyson; and his father and mother-in-law, Roman and Joy Engel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Donna, nee Engel, Tyson, a son, Jason (Jodina) Tyson of North Carolina; two daughters, Melissa Caldwell of Fairview Heights, IL and YN2 Jessica (Randall) Smith of Kentucky; 7 grandchildren, Christopher Caldwell, Travis Tyson, Kale Tyson, Allison Tyson, Brooklynn Tyson, Sakic Smith, and Gavin Smith; two sisters, Dianne (Lance) Wilson and Joanne Ludgate; his best friend and “Brother” Mike Ziska, three aunts, Jeannie Harris, Dorothy Sutphin, and Charlene Tyson; a sister-in-law, Tami Tyson; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. James Wade and Dr. John Visconti; Illinois Oncology; Hospice of Southern Illinois; and his two nurses, Rachel Huelsmann with Hospice of Sothern Illinois and Rachel McRaren, in the ICU at Memorial Hospital.

Memorials in Rick’s name may be made to the family or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Online condolences may be expressed at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL.

Services: Funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 13 at the funeral home with Pastor Ron McGrew officiating.