CENTRAL CITY – Patrick Allen Rickard, 83, of Central City, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 4:40AM at his home after a courageous battle with ALS.  Mr. Rickard was born on May 25, 1943, in Calhoun to Litle Bates and Mary Jane Rickard.  He graduated from Sacramento School.  He attended Western Kentucky University, graduating with a Teaching Certificate.  He spent one year at Livermore teaching junior high and high school General Science, and three years at Bremen teaching high school Math.  He later accepted a job with Fulton County Health Department and later moved to Frankfort, working for the State Department of Local Health.  He spent 29 ½ years there and retired as Director of Local Health.

He married Joan V. Rickard and they raised two sons.  After retirement, they moved back to Central City in 2000 to be with family and friends.  His most happy time in his life was spending time with his two sons, Eric (Michelle) and Jason, and three wonderful grandchildren.  He also enjoyed gardening and was a member of First Baptist Church in Central City.

Mr. Rickard was preceded in death by his parents, Litle Bates and Mary Jane Rickard; and his brother, Stevie Dewain Rickard.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Joan Vincent Rickard; children, Jason Rickard and Eric (Michelle) Rickard; his wonderful grandchildren, Helen, Lily, and Lucas; brother, Tony (Carol) Rickard; and very special nieces and nephews, Kelly Joe Holland, Kennedy “Duck” Holland, and Kim Cottrell.

Graveside funeral services will be Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 2:00PM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City, with Dr. Chase Thompson officiating.  Burial to follow.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The ALS Association.  Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.