Rickey L. Beshears

Rickey Lee Beshears, of Kettering, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on September 25, 2026. He was 68. Born on October 19, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio, Rickey lived a life marked by steady service, skilled work, and deep devotion to those he loved.

Rickey graduated from Fairmont East High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1981. He was a member of the Flight Deck Support Crew, specializing in weapons, and served aboard the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier during the Iranian Conflict. His military service reflected the quiet strength and reserve that would remain part of his character throughout his life.

Following his time in the Navy, Rickey built a respected career and later retired from Gem City Engineering. He took great pride in his work, including helping build robotic components, among them the military’s bomb-disarming robots. This accomplishment stood as one of the achievements he valued most, reflecting both his technical skill and the meaningful impact of his work.

Those who knew Rickey will remember him as a quiet and reserved man with a gift for great dad jokes. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, golfing, and, above all, spending time with friends and family. Whether sharing a laugh, enjoying a race, or simply being present with the people he cared about most, he created lasting memories through his steady and loving presence.

Rickey is survived by his daughters, Nicole Rudkin and Dawn Paulson; his granddaughters, Jaida Beshears-Rudkin, Abigail Rudkin, and Dae Paulson; and his sister, Linda Field. He was deeply proud of his family, and his love for them was an enduring part of his life. His family and friends will remember him with affection, gratitude, and the warmth of the many moments they shared together.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Beshears; his mother, Pauline Beshears; his brother, Rev. Michael James Milthaler; and his sister, Judy Ann Beshears.

Rickey’s life was one of service, workmanship, humor, and love for friends and family. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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