Roll Call Tribute

Ricks H. Pluenneke
MAY 17, 1936 – MAY 18, 2020

Obituary of Ricks H. Pluenneke

Dr. Ricks Henry Pluenneke passed on May 18th, 2020 and was cared for by “Circle of Life – Hospice” in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Ricks was born in Wellington, Texas on May 17, 1936. Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Pluenneke. Daniel Pluenneke passed away at the age of 34, with Elizabeth (Beth) later marrying Leroy Williams who raised Ricks as his own son. In his words; “The best father he could have ever had”. Leroy and Beth had a daughter together (sister to Ricks) Elizabeth Dee Williams.

Ricks was active in 4H and graduated from Carrizo Springs High School. Upon graduation attended Texas A&M and was a cadet as well as a Tank Commander in the Army reserve. Graduated with his PHD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry in 1958. While attending A&M, Ricks met “the love of his life” and future wife Mary Sue Blevins. Ricks went on to work for Mississippi State as a professor of graduate biochemistry. While living in Mississippi they had two sons: Jason and Benjamin.

Later he left the education field to pursue consulting as “The Plant Pro”. Ricks provided guidance for multiple universities and other large-scale landscaping endeavors. He also wrote articles for the Star Telegram in Fort Worth, Texas for 14 years. Upon retirement Ricks and Mary moved to Rogers Arkansas to spend quality time with family and make new friends.

Ricks is survived by his wife Mary, son’s Jason (wife Melinda) and Ben (wife Maribel) as well as grandchildren Joshua, Daniel, Daniela and Steven. As well as his sister (Elizabeth Dee) and her two daughters Amanda and Lillian.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, September the 12th in Fort Worth, Texas at Oakwood Cemetery. Contact Rollins funeral home for details.

FAMILY
Mary Pluenneke, Wife
Jason Pluenneke (Melinda), Son
Ben Pluenneke (Maribel), Son
Elizabeth Dee, Sister
He also leaves 4 grandchildren, Joshua, Daniel, Daniela and Steven; and nieces, Amanda and Lillian.

Services
Due to Covid concerns, the family will delay the memorial until early 2021 with actual date TBD.