John Lee Ricketts

John Lee Ricketts, 74, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2026, with his loving wife, Rita, by his side.

John was born on September 12, 1952, to Arthur and Catherine Ricketts. He graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1970 and went straight into the U.S. Army, serving proudly as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division for four years. After his service, John worked at American Dairy and dedicated 38 years to working hard at Purina Mills. He also served as a reserve deputy for the Posey County Sheriff’s Department for a decade, earning a reputation as one of the department’s top marksmen.

On April 6, 1974, John married Rita Davis in New Harmony, Ind. They spent 52 wonderful years together, building a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.

John never met a stranger and was a true friend to everyone he met. Known for his quick wit and love of a good joke, he brought joy and laughter wherever he went. He never missed a chance to make people laugh. He loved the outdoors and was always on the move—whether he was fishing, camping, racing go-karts, boating, or out on Jeep and Side-by-Side rides. He was a master at tinkering and could pull absolutely anything apart and put it back together again. He also loved NASCAR, golf cart rides, and a big bowl of popcorn.

Above all his hobbies, John loved music, and it was a big part of his life. He was a big fan of Elvis and classic country music. You could always find him playing his music anywhere people gathered—at parties, nursing homes, in the garage, or just toe-tapping around a campfire. He loved singing karaoke, camping with friends and family, and most of all, spoiling his four-legged best friend and sidekick, Abby.

John is survived by his two true loves, his wife, Rita, and his dog, Abby. He also leaves behind a son, two grandchildren, three siblings, and a big extended family of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and two very special children who held a large piece of his heart, his great-niece Molly Bender and great-nephew Levi Bender.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Arthur and Catherine, and his four siblings who passed before him.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Denning Family Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, with Pastor Jim Allen officiating. Burial followed at Old Beech Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11 a.m., until service time at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to Special Olympics Indiana-Posey County. Online condolences may be left at denningfamilyfuneralhome.com.