Ricky Dean Bowling

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

On May 23, 1962, Rick was born in Tiffin, Ohio, the third of four children of the late Arvel L. and Thelma June (Shearer) Bowling. He was raised in Tiffin, Ohio, 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 the 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 the 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 on May 25, 2002, and have cherished their twenty two years of marriage.

Very ornery, Rick 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; 7 grandchildren: Chrissy, Ashlynn, Jordan and Quentin Bowling, and Aiden, Kaden, and Serenity Miller; 2 great- grandchildren; two siblings: Clinton "Zane" Bowling of Carey, and Alice Lawrence; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

His family will greet friends from 11 am – 2 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky St., Upper Sandusky. Services honoring

his life will follow there at 2 pm, with Dr. Gary Stumpo officiating. Burial will follow in Old Mission Cemetery in Upper Sandusky.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Patient Services of Findlay or to Armes Family Cancer Care Center (AFCCC) and they may be sent to the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.

Cancer Patient Services of Findlay

Armes Family Cancer Care Center