Richard Anthony Hull

Ricky was born in Santa FE, NM, on August 21, 1960 to Ray and Delphina Hull. He was a proud tribal member of Santa Clara Pueblo. Ricky was born with Down Syndrome and doctors told his parents to put him in an institution and forget him. They were told he would probably never walk, talk or feed himself and would not live long. He proved those doctors wrong through God’s grace and the love of his family and friends.

Ricky graduated from Cold Springs School in Indianapolis in 1978, He immediately began working for Noble Industries doing various jobs, but his favorite was working in their greenhouse growing flowers. In 2008, after the passing of his mother, Ricky moved to Avon with his sister and brother-in-law and began working at Sycamore Services in Danville. Ricky loved going to work every day and was very hardworking and dedicated. He looked forward to receiving his paycheck so he could take his family out to dinner.

Ricky loved watching sports and was hands down the biggest Colts fan. No matter the outcome of the game that week he would always insist “Colts Won!”. He loved Peyton Manning and could tell you the names of everyone is his family.

Ricky was a very active member in both his church and community. He was a long-time member of Grace Pointe Nazarene Church in Avon. He loved getting dressed up in his suit and carrying his Bible every Sunday. He especially loved singing the old hymns - very loudly. Ricky was the only honorary member of the Avon Police Department. It was a position he was very proud of and took quite seriously, especially when dressed in his uniform. Ricky was invited to share his story with the Avon Rotary Club and immediately developed a special friendship with all of them and participated in their annual bowling fundraiser

Ricky was also very involved within the Down Syndrome community. He loved raising funds and awareness by participating in the annual Down Syndrome Indiana Buddy Walk with his team, Ricky’s Walking Warriors. One year, with the help of his community, he raised over $8,000, earning him his very own billboard. He was also honored by The National Down Syndrome Society by having his photo displayed in Times Square.

Ricky became a little celebrity when his friendship with the police dept, was featured on the local news. The story eventually went viral and was shared nationwide, as well as in several other countries.

Ricky loved his world, with no desire for something different or more. He only knew how to love unconditionally. Ricky never judged, he simply treated everyone with kindness, politeness and respect. It is hard for most people to understand how perfect the world could be if we saw things the way Ricky saw them.

Ricky was preceded in death by his mother, Delphina Hull Strain, father, Ray Hull, step-father, George Strain, brothers, Ronnie and Joe Hull, He is survived by his sisters, Roberta McCarthy, Cheryl (Kenny) Carlton, brothers, Raymond (Christine) Hull, Jesse (Leianne) Hull, John Hull, Jerome (Silvia) Hull and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as, great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Ricky was the best thing that ever happened to our family and we are better people because God chose us to be his favorite people.

Ricky loved flowers but he loved helping others in his community even more, so in lieu of flowers, we ask you to bring non-perishable food items or a monetary donation for the Mary Lee Maier Food Pantry in Avon. Ricky really loved celebrating Christmas so please come in festive Christmas attire or, if you prefer, your favorite team jersey.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 1, from 3:00 – 7:00 at Grace Pointe Nazarene Church, 10951 E County Rd 100 S. Indpls. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Dec. 2 at 10:00 at the church with viewing at 9:00 followed by a graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield.