Rickie D. Bearden

Rickie Dale Bearden, 74, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, service, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Born on August 29, 1952, to the late Benjamin Arby Bearden and Ruby Sunshine Clark Bearden, Rickie was a man of strong character, a tremendous work ethic, and an even bigger heart. He was known for speaking his mind, standing firm in what he believed was right, and never backing down when it came to protecting those he loved. While he could be tough and no-nonsense, those who knew him best knew that beneath that exterior was a man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Rickie began his career at Air Products, later known as Evonik, in 1973, dedicating more than four decades of his life to the company. Throughout his career, he worked as an operator in several areas of the plant, including the Boiler and PVA plant, before transitioning into the Safety Department as a shift Safety Officer. His dedication to workplace safety and protecting and teaching others eventually led him to the position of Lead Safety Officer, a role he proudly held until his retirement in 2019.

His passion for emergency response and public safety began long before his retirement. In 1984, Rickie became one of the founding members of the Air Products Emergency Response Team, helping establish a program dedicated to protecting his fellow employees and the facility. Demonstrating his personal commitment to the team’s success, he even purchased the plant’s first set of firefighter turnout gear.

Rickie’s commitment to protecting others extended far beyond his workplace. He began his service with the Possum Trot–Sharpe Fire Department in 1992, where he proudly served as Assistant Chief. He was also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), bringing additional knowledge and lifesaving skills to his service. Throughout the Marshall County fire and rescue community, Rickie was well known by his call number, 1111, a number that became synonymous with his years of dedication and service.

In addition to his fire department responsibilities, Rickie served with Marshall County Emergency Management during the early 2000s and was a member of the 911 Community Board for several years. His involvement in these organizations reflected his lifelong commitment to emergency preparedness, public safety, and the well-being of his community. Whether responding to emergencies, helping coordinate resources, or working behind the scenes to make his community safer, Rickie believed in stepping up and doing what needed to be done.

His commitment to his community extended well beyond emergency services. Whether he was helping prepare meals at church, volunteering his time, or simply showing up when someone needed an extra set of hands, Rickie was always willing to do his part. He never needed recognition or praise; helping others was simply who he was.

One of the greatest chapters of Rickie’s life was the love he shared with his beloved wife, Donna. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and unwavering devotion to one another. Through life’s joys and challenges, they stood beside each other, creating a lifetime of memories and a family that would forever be their greatest legacy. Though Donna’s passing brought an emptiness that could never truly be filled, the love they shared remained a lasting part of Rickie’s life. In a moment that is both heartbreaking and beautifully bittersweet for their family, Rickie passed away on October 30, 2026, the very day that would have marked their 45th wedding anniversary. Forty-five years after the day they promised their lives to one another, they were reunited once again. While those left behind mourn an unimaginable loss, there is comfort in believing that a love like theirs has found its way back together.

Above all else, Rickie’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was an extraordinary father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love knew no limits. Fiercely protective and endlessly devoted, he would have moved mountains for his children and grandchildren. His family never had to question whether he would be there when they needed him. He was their protector, their biggest supporter, and the person they could always count on. He loved deeply, stood up for those he cared about, and instilled in his family the importance of hard work, loyalty, and doing what was right. To his children, he wasn’t just a wonderful father—he was their safe place, their strength, and one of the greatest men they would ever know.

Rickie is survived by his three children, Dale Bearden of Sharpe, Carrie Coons (Corey) of Bowling Green, and Kayla Larrison (Jacob) of Sharpe; his grandchildren, Kristi Rogers (Justin), Jeremi Bearden (Kayla), Brittaney Walker (Drew), Caden and Landen Coons, and Jaden and Jaxon Larrison; and his 12 great-grandsons, Camden, Greyson, Kolton, Dax, Nate, and Beckett Rogers, Brady, Dawson, and Mason Bearden, and Owen, Hudson, and Emmitt Walker.

He is also survived by his special friend, Missy Johnson, who brought companionship, happiness, and friendship into his life over the past eight months.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Donna Kennerly Bearden; his parents, Benjamin Arby and Ruby Sunshine Clark Bearden; his brothers, Larry Bearden and R.A. Bearden; and his great-granddaughter, Addy Rogers.

Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, Rickie’s legacy will live on through his family, the countless lives he touched, and the community he spent so many years serving. He will be remembered for his strength, his stubborn determination, his generous heart, and, above all, the fierce and unconditional love he had for his family.

His final call may have come, but his legacy of love and service will never end.

A funeral service will be on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Collier Funeral Home Chapel with Bill Harrison officiating. Also Fire Fighter Rites and Last Call will be given.

Visitation will be Friday, November 6, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Collier Funeral Home and Cremation Services located at 211 West 5th Street Benton, KY 42025. 270-527-3141.

The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Possum Trot- Sharpe Fire Fighter Fund 39 Little Cypress Road, Calvert City, KY 42029.