Rickey Lee Schleicher

Rickey Lee Schleicher passed to his heavenly home on June 3, 2017 after being admitted to Clark Memorial Hospital for a blood clot in his lung. He was supported by family and friends during his brief and untimely battle.

Rick, born to Richard and Alice (Balmer) Schleicher in New Albany, Indiana, would have celebrated his 60th birthday on August 29, 2017. Rick was a graduate of Borden High School and enjoyed a lengthy career with his family’s business. For many years, he served as the Vice President of AJS, Inc. d/b/a KFC and was responsible for restaurant operations and construction management of the companies’ many restaurants throughout Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. For that very reason, many of Rick’s years were spent in Alabama. Rick was always a visionary and had a keen business sense at a young age. It was Rick that announced to his parents that the KFC in which he worked at Hamburg, IN was going to be for sale and encouraged his parents to purchase their first restaurant. From that suggestion, grew a very successful franchise of forty years. Rick had a passion for sports, a love for his beautiful wife and family while enjoying warm traditions together on their farm in Borden. One of Rick’s favorite family traditions is the annual July 4th celebration at their home on their farm in Borden complete with good food, fun and fireworks. His last construction project was completed with his family in mind. Using his skills, he replicated a beautiful chalet he saw on a family trip to Gatlinburg to create a place for family to gather together. Since it has been built, he and his wife have hosted many family gatherings and now the chalet will be a permanent reminder of Rick’s love for family. Known for his generous spirit, Rick helped countless people quietly and passionately, including employees that found themselves in need. He was truly God’s hands and feet on earth.

Rick is survived by his loving parents, his beloved wife Kyna Schleicher, sister Kimra Schleicher (Cindie Crain) and the following children: Kandice (Charles) McMillan, Kristin Schleicher and Kasia (Nathan) Johnson. His light will forever shine through his six grandchildren: Kennadi Schleicher-Drasler, Karmen and Charlie McMillan (Sellersburg) and Payton, Ella and Grace Johnson (Ohio). Those who preceded him too early were brothers: Douglas Lyn and Rodney Lane Schleicher and Kim Resha (Kristin).

The family welcomes condolences at Kraft Funeral home located at 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN 47150, on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 from 3pm to 8pm. A celebration of Rick’s life and Christian faith will take place on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 12 noon.

The family requests tributes to Rick’s life be made by a charitable donation to Atkins Chapel UMC, where he was a member.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7