Obituary of Howard L "Chick" Rickels

Howard L. “Chick” Rickels, age 86, of Latonia Lakes for over 50 years, passed away on September 5, 2024. The son of Howard and Leona (Sullivan) Rickels.

Chick was an active man who loved and supported his family. Growing up in Newport, Kentucky he had only one sibling. A sister he treasured. He attended Newport school where Chick won State Championship in swimming. He left home, headed for Camp Lejune to honorably serve as an Automotive Mechanic in the United States Marines. There he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. After returning home, Chick was enamored with Ms. Lorraine Miller and made her his wife in 1959. Lorraine not only blessed him with four children but seven sibling in-laws.

While raising their family the two enjoyed many years filled with poker nights with family and friends, golfing, camping at various places such as Rough River Dam, Land between the Lakes and boating on the Ohio River where several children learned to swim, and enjoyed simple moments in life. Chick was a logical thinker and he enjoyed tinkering about. Whether it be with his boat, his time in the service, or building additions to the family home, he kept his hands working.

Preceded in death is Chick’s loving wife, Lorraine (Miller) Rickels and his grandson, Marcus Foley.

His survivors include children; Howard J. Rickels, Michael (Kathleen) Rickels, Lori (David) Kohake, and Bill (Theresa) Rickels, sister; Barbara Doyle, grandchildren; Brad Rickels, Steve Rickels, Allison Bode, Justin Kohake, and Will Rickels, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 13^th beginning at 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, September 14^th at 9:00am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church 5313 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051

Howard will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Garden where military honors will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either fund that have impacted Chick's family. To donate to Susan G. Komen to help end breast cancer, please Click Here. To donate to the Alzheimers Association to help fight alzheimers, please Click Here.