Richard "Ricky" Wayne Whitten May 25, 1961 January 25, 2015

Richard “Ricky” Wayne Whitten, 53 of Bladen, Nebraska was born to Glenn & Bonnie (Ledbetter) Whitten. Rick was born on May 25, 1961 in Fort Worth, Texas and passed away at his home on January 25, 2015. He spent his childhood in the Lebanon, Missouri area before moving to Fairfield, Nebraska where he attended school. In 1978 he met his lifelong partner DaVee Garman and in 1983 they welcomed their son, Michael Wayne. After the birth of their son they lived in the Harvard area for many years before settling in Bladen, Nebraska.
Rick worked at many jobs but his favorite job was truck driving. Through trucking he has made many lifelong friendships and became a well-known member of the trucking community. Rick traveled many places in a truck but his favorite trips were with DaVee.  He grew up very close with his parents Glenn and Bonnie. Together they enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips. He never said no to an easy run down the river in Glenn’s little boat. Rick had three brothers, it was always an interesting time when they were all together. The boys loved to laugh and they loved to fight. They were a rough and tumble bunch who always loved each other.
Rick also enjoyed working with his hands and teaching his son to wrench. On many occasions Rick could be found shining up the Chrysler or fixing that strange noise under the hood of his daughter-in-law's car.  Rick loved spending time with his granddaughters even if that meant letting them paint his nails or chasing down the ice cream truck. It was not uncommon to see Rick on the front step watching his granddaughters play or yelling at the cars that ran the stop sign in front of his house.  Rick was a loyal man who loved his family and loved to get a rise out of people. He was always willing to lend a hand when his friends and family needed him and will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish his memory are his partner of 36 years DaVee Garman, son Michael and wife Stacy, 3 granddaughters Isabella, Olivia, and Adalyn, all of Bladen, Nebraska; his mother Bonnie Whitten of Lebanon, Missouri; a brother Jerry Jones and wife Sandra of Glidden, Iowa and other relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Glenn Whitten and his brothers Jim Whitten and Danny Jones.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, 2:00 p.m., February 7, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Bladen with the Rev. Dan Albers officiating.
A memorial fund has been established by the family in lieu of flowers.