Ricky Eldon Westhues

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Monday, March 21, 2016, at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, MO. A celebration of Rick's life will be honored with a memorial motorcycle ride for friends and family, which is to be announced at a later date.

Ricky was born October 18, 1958, in Boonville, MO to Harold and Donna “Naylor” Westhues. On July 7, 2008 he married the love of his life, Jacqueline L. “Parker” Westhues, in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Ricky is survived by his loving wife of 7 1/2 years, and five children: Miles William Westhues, Tanner Eldon Westhues, Morgan Brianna Westhues, Lauren Ashley Hughes, and Hunter Sterling Hughes. He also leaves his parents, his brother Daniel Westhues and Daniel's partner, Travis Stephens.

Rick graduated from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, with a Bachelor's of Business Administration. He then spent several years in Rolla. and later moved to Fayette, MO, where he resided until 2008. Rick was a man of many hats, but was most remembered as being the long time proprietary owner of his auto-transport company, Westhues Trucking. Rick had many passions, including playing rugby for Rockhurst College and the Kansas City Blues, and riding his Fatboy Harley, "Betzy" with his wife Jacci.

Rick also enjoyed arm wrestling, and took second in the nation in 2007 at the Kansas City Arm Wrestling Nationals. He was an avid fan of being outdoors, enjoying anything having to do with water sports, or skiing in Colorado. Rick was a family man known for being a "gentle giant." He was a big man, with an even bigger heart. Rick truly had a gift for bringing people together, and was always surrounded by family, and many truly great friends. He was a person who was just so easy to love, and will be entirely missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter in Boonville, MO.