Ricke Baugus, age 58, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on July 22, 2026, in Paducah, Kentucky. He was born on September 29, 1967, in Paducah, Kentucky, and lived a life marked by kindness, adventure, and passion.
Ricke was a devoted family man who treasured the people he loved most. He is survived by his son, Bobby (Hannah) Baugus of Paducah, Kentucky; his brother, Dawayne (Jo) Baugus of Paducah, Kentucky; and his two granddaughters, Briley and Avery Baugus, who brought great joy to his life. He is also survived by his step-mother, Leslie Ann Short Baugus of Blytheville, Arkansas; his nephews, Dallas, Austin, and Tennessee; his niece, Jade; his aunts, Janice Newton of Paducah, Kentucky, and Bobbie Sue (Ralph) Helm of Paducah, Kentucky; his cousins, Felyscia (Jeff) Larsen of Nashville, Tennessee, and Chad (Valerie) Helm of Calvert City, Kentucky; and the mother of his children, Vicki Baugus of Paducah, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas Baugus; his mother, Shirley Ann Stone Baugus; and his father, David Baugus.
Ricke spent much of his working life in skilled trades, where his strong work ethic and leadership were well known and respected. He worked for Progress Rail Services as a Welding Supervisor and also for Trans Craft, Inc. as a welder. Through his years of employment, he earned the respect of coworkers and others who appreciated his dedication, reliability, and ability to take pride in a job well done.
Outside of work, Ricke found happiness in the outdoors and in the simple pleasures that made life meaningful to him. He loved hunting and riding horses, especially his horse, Ace, which was a source of great enjoyment and companionship. He also liked going to the car races and attending car shows, where he could enjoy the excitement, craftsmanship, and camaraderie of the events he loved. His adventurous spirit and passion for life were evident in the way he embraced the things that brought him joy.
Ricke was a member of Heartland Church, where he shared in fellowship and faith with others in his community. Those who knew him will remember him as a kind man with a warm heart, a spirited nature, and a genuine love for the people and experiences that filled his life. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The family would like to thank all the staff at NeuroRestorative for all the excellent care they gave to Ricke.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Keith Tilford officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Christian Church Cemetery, 12245 Woodville Road, Kevil, KY.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Cassidy’s Cause, 6075 Clinton Road, Paducah, KY 42001, or to NeuroRestorative Rehabilitation,1301 Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001.
You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com
