Former Cape city councilman, Jack Rickard, dies

Former Cape Girardeau City Councilman Jack Rickard Sr. died Monday at the Missouri Veterans Home after a long-term illness. He was 76.

Rickard was elected to the Cape Girardeau city council in 1994 to fill a two-year unexpired term. He was later re-elected in 1996, but resigned from the council in 1997 citing personal reasons. He also was a former president of the International Brotherhood of Masonry, a member of Reserve Officer's Club, Breakfast Optimist Club, VFW Post 3838, Elks Lodge 639 and a former Jaycee. He was a veteran of the Korean War.

Al Spradling III, who was mayor while Rickard served on the city council, said Rickard was an energetic man who was concerned with building codes and the issue of setting minimum property standards. Rickard was a property owner and operated the Jack Rickard Masonry Co. for 30 years.

Spradling said Rickard was a pleasant man who was easy to work with on the council.

"He was always ready to engage in conversation that he felt could make an impact," Spradling said. "He was just a real down-to-earth person that city councils really ought to have more of."

Tom Neumeyer, who also served on the city council with Rickard, said Rickard was very dedicated to the best interest of the city and its workers. Neumeyer said he noticed this aspect of Rickard's personality especially during council tours of city facilities.

"He was always so interested in getting out there and seeing what was going on with city employees," Neumeyer said. "And it was a concern we shared, that the employees were treated as well as possible."

Rickard is survived by his wife, Ben, of Cape Girardeau, and his five children, Marion Jack Rickard Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Thomas Rickard of Friendswood, Texas, Andy Rickard of Midland, Texas, Patti Burnett of St. Louis and Carol Hedden of Carefree, Ariz. Other survivors include two sisters, 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Rickard will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel, with parish prayers at 7 p.m., Elks Service at 7:30 p.m. and VFW service at 8 p.m. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Old St. Vincent's Church.

wmcferron@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127