Rickie Plunk, 73 years old, of Pampa, Texas, peacefully left this life on the evening of January 1st, 2023, and is now spending eternity with his precious Savior. Rickie was born on December 2, 1949, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to Bud and Bethel Plunk.
Rickie’s family moved to Pampa in 1957 from Broken Arrow and he later graduated from Pampa High School in 1968. Following a courtship with his soulmate, Darlene Hamlin, they married on September 15, 1971, to begin their lifelong journey, starting a family and making their own memories. He had worked as a machinist at Panhandle Industrial for 30 years then began a new career as a Correctional Officer for TDCJ retiring after 10 years with them.
As a newlywed, on his off hours, Rickie played the steel guitar and piano in bands to help make ends meet. He carried his love for music his entire life as it was not only a means for extra stability, but it was a passion that he could rely on for motivation and solace. With his love of baseball and teaching youngsters not only to have fun, but practical knowledge as well, he was kind of the neighborhood dad. It was not uncommon for him to gather up the kids and play baseball while teaching them how its done. He loved to turn any event into a learning opportunity for others.
Not one to sit idle for long, Rickie enjoyed daily work outs whether it be home in the garage, at Pampa Youth Center or one of his long walks with his dog Cabot. Often times, he just enjoyed taking Cabot and sometimes Darlene for a drive in the car with the radio playing just taking life in. Some of his other favorite past times were gardening and working in his yard, fishing with the kids and just plain ol’ orneriness! Rickie was infamous for being a cutup and jokester – he loved to make others laugh, but there was never any intent for malice, only happiness. No stranger was ever met – or if there was, they weren’t strangers long! He loved to visit and always got the last word!
Those who he joined in Heaven are his parents and siblings, Kenneth Plunk, Marzella Foster, Donna Persius, Beverly Royston, Buddy Crocker, and LeRoy Crocker.
Rickie’s memory will be cherished and remembered by his loving wife of 51 years, Darlene Plunk of Pampa; three children, Christy Ferguson and husband Steve of Pampa, Buddy Plunk and wife Lesa of Memphis, Misti Plunk and wife Jessica of Pampa; a brother, Mick Plunk and wife Joann of Anadarko, Oklahoma; sister, Wanda Hubbs of West Minister, CA; 13 grandchildren, Chase Ferguson and wife Mariah, Nathan Ferguson, Ashlee Patton and husband Travis all of Pampa, Trysten Harris and companion Patrick Carpenter of Edmond, OK, Chris Howard and wife Hope of Pampa, Hunter Hall and wife Haylie of Lawton, OK, Destiny Lewis of Pampa, Jessica Hall and companion Zach McElroy of Amarillo, Jordon Shook, Jaydon Shook, Cassidy Stanhope, Jantzon Stanhope, Jentry Stanhope all of Pampa; 15 great-grandchildren, Grayli Ferguson, Talan Mills, Trevor Mills, Trey Mills, Cohen McKinney, Cameron Johnson, Brynlee Harris, Paisley Carpenter, Jett Howard, Ellie Maye Howard, Weston Hall, Analia Flores, Aurora Saldierna, Jude Lewis and Elizabeth Shook; Rickie’s four legged sidekick and best friend, Cabot as well as many extended family members and relatives whom loved him dearly.
Rickie will be available to pay final respects on Wednesday, January 4th from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again Thursday, January 5th from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm with the family present to receive guests from 6:00 to 8:00 at Winegeart Funeral Home, 303 N Frost.
Celebration of Life Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Friday, January 6, 2023, at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Rick Parnell officiating. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
To leave words of sympathies and comfort for the family on Rickie’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.
