Robert “Rick” Yancy Siddall Jr.

“Rick” Robert Yancy Siddall Jr was born to “Bob” Robert Yancy Siddall and “Lala” Hallie Eulala Reames in Cisco TX, February 15, 1947. He passed away peacefully May 2, 2020 at age 73 after a brave battle with a rare and virulent type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Ricky was a country boy who spent his days in the woods and at the lake with family and friends. As a young teen, his family moved to Houston, where at age 17 he met Linda “Michal” Simmons, who would become the love of his life. In college at Texas State University, Rick made lifelong friends and brothers as a charter member, pledge trainer, and president of Phi Kappa Tau. He and Michal married January 18, 1969, and shortly thereafter he went to Air Force officer training school and became a pilot. He trained pilots in T-37’s and later flew B-52’s for Strategic Air Command. Rick developed lasting friendships and a love for travel while stationed around the US before leaving the service to settle closer to family. They were blessed with four sons; Rob, Cary “Justin”, Chris and Shane who brought immeasurable joy that over time was scarred by tragedy and death. Rick shepherded his family with faith and great strength through the storms. With everlasting support from Michal and God, the family not only survived but grew in compassion, determination and love for others, particularly the disadvantaged. Rick’s passions were golf, softball, tennis, snow skiing, cooking, and watching the Cowboys. He spent many weekends tent camping with family and friends, fishing, boating, tubing, and was a superb slalom skier. In later years he loved cruising, experiencing the culture of other countries, and embraced the beauty and wonders of RV travel in America. Rick’s family, friends, God, and his beloved Michal, always came first in his life. He was an entrepreneur, doing what he thought best for the family, including building a lake cabin where the family could live their dreams. He was kind and unselfish, offering room, board and counsel to young people and family members in need. Rick had a profound love for children and in retirement drove a school bus, enriching his life with love from “his” kids. Rick was preceded in death by sons Rob and Shane, his parents, and younger sister, Karen Bates. He is survived by his soulmate and eternal love for 51 years, Michal, and sons Chris; Justin, wife Bethany and grandchildren, Kylie and Holt; sister Dana Marie Barrett and husband Fred; plus numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and other family and friends. Services will be delayed until a later date when families are able to gather again.