Paul Edward Rickards

Paul E. Rickards of St. Louis County, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at 84 years of age.

He was born November 24, 1940 to his late parents, Joseph and Lilly Rickards and as brother to the late Keith Rickards.

After graduating from Elgin Academy in Elgin, Illinois. Paul joined the United States Army where he served for three years abroad, before returning to St. Louis to work at the U.S. Army Records Center for over 35 years. It was also during this time he met and married his loving wife Mildred (Swope), who accompanied him to his tours overseas.

Paul and his wife, Mildred began serving the Lord at Southwest Baptist Church (StL) where they were active as Sunday School Teachers, Youth Group leaders, choir members, and Paul became an ordained Deacon. Paul became interested in coaching basketball and softball as an outreach to youth where every participant could learn the fun of team athletics as well as sharing the love and stories of Jesus. Later as the spirit led Paul and his family to Rock Hill Baptist Church (The Rock) he continued coaching sports such as Indoor soccer, softball and youth bowling nights for over 25 years.

Paul was a seasoned chess player, part time umpire, and fantastic bowler with a lifetime average of 230. He was also involved with the Men’s Baptist Bowling league at Shrewsbury Lanes and at Rock Hill Lanes. He was a die hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, even in these ‘transitioning’ years, and loved the Blues from the Gary Unger days to present.

Above all, Paul was a devout Christian whose passion and purpose was sharing the gospel and weaved it throughout his life. A man with a huge heart, Paul will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

He is lovingly survived by his greatest supporter and wife of 62 years Mildred B. Rickards (Swope). His magnificent and loving children, Lisa Rickards (Steve Dayton), Traci Granger (Tim), and Mark Rickards (Jennifer). The lights of his life were his grandchildren, Andrew, Hayden, Milessa, James, Samuel and Sancia who also mourn his departure and a host of many cousins, friends, former players and their families.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 7th from 5 - 8:30pm at The Rock Church, 9125 Manchester Rd. A celebration of Paul’s exceptional life will be held Friday, August 8th at 1:00pm in the same Rock location. Burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Monday, August 11th at 11:30 am with full military honors. It is located at 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125. It is open to the public.

Should you wish to honor Paul in his legacy, donations can be made to Camp Penuel Box 367 Ironton, MO 63650, please note it in memory of Paul Rickards. We believe it would be the best tribute to Paul’s life and outreach.

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