Ricky Bowling Obituary

Ricky Dean Bowling

Ricky Dean Bowling, best known simply as "Rick" or "Pool Shark," 62, of Findlay, died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at Blanchard Valley Hospital following complications from recent cancer surgery, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born May 23, 1962, in Tiffin, the third of four children to Arvel L. and Thelma June (Shearer) Bowling.

He was raised in Tiffin and moved to Upper Sandusky during his junior year of high school, graduating from Upper Sandusky High School in the class of 1980. He also attended First Baptist Church in Upper Sandusky. For most of Rick's career, he was a truck driver, and more recently, he was a truck spotter. He has worked for JB Hunt since 2010, and previously, he worked for Craig Transportation in Fremont.

A chip off the old block, Rick learned to love the game of pool from his father, Arvel. From there, he was hooked, playing every chance he got. For most of his life, he played competitively, even making it to national doubles and teams tournaments in Las Vegas. He also participated in pool leagues for many years at all the pool halls in and around Findlay. He was especially proud to pass his love for pool on to many in his family too. In addition to pool, he loved listening to all types of music, watching WWE wrestling, playing the computer game Tibia and corn hole. In his younger days, he was an avid bowler, bowling every night he could until arthritis set in.

One night while playing pool at VFW in Findlay, Rick met his future bride, Vickie (Van Wormer) Kingsmill. He gave her a rose that night, and from there, the rest is history. They were married May 25, 2002, and have cherished their 22 years of marriage. Rick was very ornery, and he always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He loved to get a rise out of his family and friends and would always keep a straight face while doing so. He especially loved sharing a big laugh with everyone. He will be missed by his wife, Vickie Bowling of Findlay; four children, Matthiew (Grace) Bowling of Van Buren, Dustin Folk of Tiffin, Zachary (Justine) Bowling of Arlington and Carla (Brett) Miller of Marion; seven grandchildren, Chrissy, Ashlynn, Jordan and Quentin Bowling and Aiden, Kaden and Serenity Miller; two great-grandchildren; two siblings, Clinton "Zane" Bowling of Carey and Alice Lawrence; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel L. and Thelma; a daughter, Summer Dawn; a sister, Thelma Nadene Bowling; and a brother-in-law, William "Smiley" Lawrence.

His family will greet friends from 11-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky St., Upper Sandusky. Services honoring his life will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Dr. Gary Stumpo officiating. Burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery in Upper Sandusky.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Patient Services of Findlay or Armes Family Cancer Care Center (AFCCC) and may also be sent to the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.