Cecil Earl Ricks Jr.

Cecil E. Ricks, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a seven-year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and leukemia. He was 86 years old.

Cecil was born on October 4, 1939, in Bell, California, to Cecil E. Ricks and Harriett Ricks. His parents, originally from Montana, settled in the southwest Los Angeles area, where Cecil grew up alongside his two brothers, Fred and Bob, in a close-knit, pre-war community. From an early age, Cecil demonstrated exceptional intelligence and leadership. He advanced two grades in grammar school and served as student body president in junior high. He delivered newspapers in the early morning hours with his lifelong friends Rod and Paul—first by bicycle, then by scooter—forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Cecil attended George Washington High School in Los Angeles, where he was deeply involved in school life. He played football, swam competitively, served as a cheerleader, participated in student government, where he became Student Body President, and sang in the A Cappella choir. Music became a lifelong passion. It was during choir that he met Sharon Klusmeyer, a blue-eyed blonde who would become the love of his life. They began dating in high school and quickly knew they were meant to be together.

With the blessing of their parents— and a court order, as Cecil would not yet be 18 until one month after the wedding—Cecil and Sharon were married on September 7, 1957. Their marriage spanned over 68 years and was the foundation of a devoted and loving family.

Cecil attended UCLA, graduating in 1960, and went on to UCLA School of Law, where he served on Law Review. He graduated in 1963 at the age of 23, becoming the youngest graduate of UCLA Law School at that time. At his law school graduation, Cecil was already a proud father to his son, Gregory Paul, born just eight weeks earlier. Cecil passed the California Bar and began his legal career at Hill, Farrer & Burrill in Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, Cecil was part of the Jr. Chamber of Commerce which put on the L.A. Open golf tournaments for years. He was also chairman of the original Ladies LA Open.

In 1964, Cecil and Sharon purchased a home in Whittier, where their daughter, Kathleen, was born in 1965. During this time, Cecil became actively involved in the community, including the YMCA, and formed lifelong friendships.

In 1970, Cecil moved his law practice to Fullerton and the family settled into their home on Altivo Place. He remained deeply engaged in civic and community organizations throughout his life, serving on boards and committees including the Anaheim YMCA, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, PTA, legal organizations, and the Fullerton Civic Light Opera. Music remained central to family life, and Cecil enthusiastically supported his children’s participation in musical theater at the Plummer Auditorium, proudly knowing every line, lyric and note. Cecil and Sharon were known for their hospitality and love of entertaining. Their neighborhood was filled with children and community gatherings—holiday celebrations, swim parties, caroling, plays and band practice in the garage, cheerleading practice in the front yard, and countless shared moments that created lasting memories.

As a father, Cecil was an unwavering supporter of his children’s interests and achievements. He encouraged their intellectual achievements, rarely missed a sporting event, cheering Greg in swimming, soccer, track, and theater, and Kathy in cheerleading, Assistance League and National Charity League participation. Family vacations were a treasured tradition, including Winnebago trip across multiple states, travel to Mexico, Catalina, ski trips, cruises through the San Juan Islands, and weekends in Palm Springs, Arrowhead, and Newport .

As their children pursued higher education—Greg at UC San Diego and Pepperdine Law School, completing his JD and Kathy at UCLA and later USC, where she earned her doctorate in Counseling Psychology—Cecil took immense pride in their accomplishments.

Cecil and Sharon enjoyed going to all the games at UCLA where Kathy was a cheerleader and meeting their future son-in-law, Mark Copeland, whom they loved dearly, along with his wonderful family. Mark and Kathleen were married on September 30, 1995.

Cecil’s greatest joy came with becoming “Papa” to four grandchildren: Jared, Tyler, Casey, and Courtney. He was present for each of the births and actively involved in every stage of their lives —babysitting, swimming, attending games, building card houses, dressing up in costumes, and making memories at home and in Kauai. He was on every field from t-ball, baseball, soccer, football, track, and la crosse. He was at the musical programs, choir programs, ballet, Assistance League and National Charity League Presentations and he loved it all more than they knew. He proudly supported each of them as they pursued their education and futures, believing deeply in the promise they represented.

Cecil and Sharon shared a love of travel, from, Alaska to Tahiti, Russia to Morocco, and Venice to Ephesus (walking in the steps that the Apostle Paul walked). Their favorite place was always Kauai, where they loved to spend every anniversary. They always attended services at the Little Green Church in Hanalei. Cecil especially loved announcing their anniversary celebrations to the congregation. They were approaching their 69th wedding anniversary at the time of his passing.

Cecil was an extraordinary man—intelligent, honorable, honest, trusting, caring, supportive, trustworthy, generous, loving, fun, and funny, and a true friend for life. A devout Christian, he was an active and beloved member of St. Andrews. He assisted the Altar Guild, served as a Greeter and formed meaningful connections with parishioners. As Fr. Bill administered Cecil’s Last Rites, he shared the words of Jesus to His Disciples, “Come and see.” Cecil loved this passage, and on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Cecil followed Him.

Cecil is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his children, Gregory and Kathleen; his son-in-law, Mark; his grandchildren, Jared, Tyler, Casey, and Courtney; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church Fullerton in Cecil’s name for the Soup Kitchen and Altar Guild.