Ricky Gene Burks

Ricky Gene Burks, 72, died June 24, 2026. Born January 2, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, Ricky was the son of Richard E and Betty J (Haley) Burks. He lived in Bloomington, Indiana. Throughout his life, Ricky was known as a hard-working and devoted man—steady in his commitments, loyal to those he loved, and faithful in the way he sought to serve both God and family.

After graduating from Bloomington High School South, Ricky attended David-Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. Following his graduation, he began ministry at the Bryantsville Church of Christ in Mitchell, Indiana. With the same diligence that marked his ministry, he later returned to school and completed a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Indiana University Bloomington.

Ricky moved from Bedford to Campbellsburg, Indiana, where he started Christian Counseling Services in Salem while working as a school counselor at the Mitchell School System. As the business grew and the needs of home became his greater calling, he stepped away from ministry to focus on his work and to help raise his three sons with his wife Maria. He is survived by Andrew Noble Burks (Sarah) of Campbellsburg, In, Nicholas Gene Burks (Lindsay) of Franklin, In, and Patrick Michael Burks of Campbellsburg, In. He is also survived by four grandsons whom he loved immensely: Deacon Burks, Grady Burks, Griffin Burks, and Dawson Burks. He is also survived by his sister Rita (Larry) Rexroat of Russell Springs, Kentucky, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; his sister Rose Spoonmore and her husband Roger; and his brother Randy Burks.

In quieter moments, Ricky’s careful craftsmanship and patience could be seen in what he loved to do with his hands. He enjoyed restoring antique furniture—including a cherry clock, an oak pie safe, an oak three corner cabinet, and an oak desk—and would spend hours in his brother-in-law’s garage, often working in secret to create something meaningful for family members. He also loved old school westerns, a fondness shared with his dad and sister, and he had a special affection for Snoopy and the Peanut Gang. In a way that reflected both devotion and faith, he also took his niece and nephews to Honduras for a week on a Mission Trip for their high school graduation.

Ricky was not without flaws, as he readily admitted. He rested fully on the grace of God and encouraged everyone he knew to come to know Jesus and the peace that which surpasses all understanding. He shared a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, especially in matters of personal faith and life, and those who knew him carry that legacy forward. He will be deeply missed, and his family takes comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain.

Services for Ricky Burks will be held on July 8th, 2026 with visitation starting at 10:00AM and going to 11:30 AM. Funeral service will start at 11:30AM. All services will be at the Bryantsville Church of Christ 157 Bryantsville Rd Mitchell, IN 47446.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Bryantsville Hunger Relief Project, Inc. 1781 Sherwood Rd, Mitchell, IN 47446. More information can be found at www.bhrp.org