Ricky Gene Steakley Sr. Obituary

Ricky Gene Steakley Sr., 63 of Watervliet, passed away at home on September 3, 2025.

He was born on February 4, 1962 in Benton Township. Ricky was a devoted husband to Linda and loving father to Ricky Jr. and Kansas.

Ricky was hard working and dedicated. At age 17 he joined the Army and served our country for 13 years. He was part of the 82nd Airborne, 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea and 101st Airborne Division serving in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield during the Gulf War. Ricky also drove semi-truck for 31 years, traveling across the United States, completing over four million miles in his career.

Ricky enjoyed collecting coins and spending time at the gun range teaching his grandkids how to shoot and clean rifles and pistols. His main goal in life was spoiling his grandkids. His legacy lives on through his beloved grandchildren Collin, Gavin, Thomas, Jessica and Madison.

In his last days, he was surrounded by his sister Ruth Henderson and his in laws, the Clemons and the Watsons. He was preceded in death by his grandson Trevor, father Leo, mother Betty and brother Jimmy.

Ricky’s memory will live on through the lessons he taught us and the love he shared.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, September 12 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.