Ricky Kyzar

In the evening hours of Monday, May 21, 2018, while surrounded by family, Ricky Kyzar, was summoned Home by his Lord and Savior to be rejoined with his wife Claudia.Ricky Kyzar was born on September 9, 1954, in Morton, Mississippi, to Dudley and Cleo “Sissy” Kyzar. He was the middle child to older brother, John, and younger sister, Patsy.After being raised in Morton, Mississippi, Ricky found his calling in life; to be an over-the-road truck driver. This life calling and the decision to go to work for A. Joseph and Company out of Jackson, Mississippi, would take Ricky to the small town of Boise City, Oklahoma where he would meet the love of his life, Claudia Huls, who worked at the Love’s Truck Stop. They were married in a small ceremony at Claudia’s grandmother’s house in Boise City on December 1, 1984. Claudia joined Ricky on the truck, following his love for trucking, and they became a team traveling across the country stopping to see the sights when time permitted. They then decided to settle down in Boise City to be closer to Claudia’s mother. Ricky continued to drive over the road and she would join him as her job would allow. They would take vacations to Mississippi to visit his sons, Ricky Lynn and Aaron Thomas and their families, his brother and sister and their families, and enjoy time in Biloxi at the beach. When Claudia left the truck stop, they enjoyed more time traveling and started vacationing with Claudia’s sister, Darlene, who Ricky affectionately referred to as “Little Sister”, and her husband, Stanley, going on fishing trips and just spending time sightseeing and searching for the best barbeque.In 2011, Claudia and Ricky were in a truck accident which left Claudia badly injured requiring multiple surgeries to her arm. Knowing they needed to be close to family, they chose to move to Midland, Texas to be close to Claudia’s niece, Misty, and nephew, Sonny. Ricky got a job working as a truck driver in the oil field and continued this until he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in September of 2015.At an early age, Ricky became a fan of Elvis Presley. He was known for having the Elvis sideburns and the Elvis comb back hairstyle. Shortly before Ricky’s diagnosis, he and Claudia visited Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on one of their vacations with Darlene and Stanley, and, also, visited Nashville, touring the recording studio where Elvis recorded his music, RCA Studio B.Although, Ricky was far away from his sons and grandchildren, he stayed in contact with them through telephone calls and text messages. He was always talking about getting telephone calls from his granddaughters Madison and Katie.Darlene’s children were all very close with their “Uncle Ricky” as he was always a very important part of their lives. Whether it was sitting around yelling at the refs during an OU football game with Misty, talking woodworking or rummaging through the Hot Wheels rack at the local Wal-Mart trying to find the “odd one” with Cody, talking truck talk with Stephen or getting advice on electronic devices from Sonny, there was always something they could share with him. Then when grandbabies started arriving, it became apparent to all Uncle Ricky was not someone you would ask to change a diaper, but he really enjoyed the family get-togethers so he could pick on the kids a bit. He loved them and they loved him.As Ricky’s condition progressively declined it was difficult for his family to watch, but for Claudia, the heartache was just too great. She became ill and after several months went to be with her Heavenly Father in February of this year. The pain and sorrow from her loss was so great, it was difficult for Ricky to continue on without her and his condition rapidly deteriorated. For all of those who loved him and cared for him, it is heartbreaking to see him go, but Claudia has been preparing a home for him and with her is where he wanted to be.Ricky was also preceded in death by his mother and father, and infant brother, Billy Joe.He is survived by his sons, Ricky Lynn Kyzar and wife, Wanda, of Forrest, Mississippi, and children, Alacia, Ricky Lynn, Jr., Shawn, Arial, and Madison, and six grandchildren; and Aaron Kyzar of Morton, Mississippi and daughter Katie. He is survived by his sister, Patsy Singleton, of Forrest, Mississippi, and brother, John Kyzar, of Forrest, Mississippi. Ricky is also survived by his sister-in-law, Darlene Owens, and husband, Stanley, of Midland, Texas, and niece and nephews; Misty Owens of Midland, Texas, and her children, Arturo “Bubba”, Mendi Jo, Melani and Adrianna Anguiano; Sonny Owens and wife, Robin, of Midland, Texas and their children, Elizabeth, Audrie, Alex, Natalie and Madison; Cody Owens and wife, Kecia, of Boise City, Oklahoma, and their children, Kindra, Nadyca, Sariah and Creed; Stephen Owens and his wife, Estella, of Trinidad, Colorado and their sons, Ben and Adin. Tinker Marie, Ricky’s beloved furry daughter, who now resides with her Aunt Darlene, also survives.The family received guests Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Bellview Baptist Church in Midland, with interment following at Serenity Memorial Gardens.Arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,