Rodney Paul Rickert

Rodney was the son of William and Norma (Long) Rickert and was born on July 8, 1954 in Mansfield, Ohio. Rodney was a 1972 graduate of Madison Comprehensive High School where he participated in 3 sports including being part of the first undefeated Madison football team. He continued his sporting career at Tennessee Martin University under a baseball scholarship. He was an enthusiast of baseball, playing on the Farmer’s Bank, Mansfield Expos and Cherokee Bingo baseball teams that made their home at Liberty Park. He played and coached on these teams until he was 36 years old. After his baseball career ended, baseball was still very much a part of his life as he coached little league for all three of his sons and many Madison players. He lived for attending his children’s sporting events.

He married the love of his life, Deborah Yeager on March 26, 1981 and they built a beautiful life together. They shared the love of traveling, and made many cherished memories on their many trips.

Rodney was an avid fisherman, and delighted in any lake or pond with Lake Erie being his favorite. He had a weakness for race horses, owning 7 of his own. Rodney loved going to the horse track.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Rickert; his mother, Norma Ruth (Long) Rickert; his children, Rodney Paul Rickert Jr., Amanda Rickert, Angela (Michael) Ray, Michelle Rickert Melgar, Matthew (Laura) Rickert, and Brock (Tori) Rickert; his grandchildren, Kennedy, Kasadee, Kayleigh, Tori, Emily, David, Alexis, Jackson, Tyler, Hunter, Nicholas, Natalie, Harmonie, and Alice; seven great-grandchildren; and his brother, Doug (Heather) Rickert. He was preceded in death by his father, William Paul Rickert; and his son-in-law, SSG Logan Melgar.

The family will observe private services. To honor Rodney, please consider making a contribution in his name to the Madison Athletic Department, 600 Esley Lane Mansfield, OH 44905.

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Wappner is honored to serve the Rickert family.