Ricky Lynn Mitchem

Ricky was called home to be with the Lord just after sunrise the morning of Thursday, April 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

He was a very special man loved by many. He will be forever loved and missed.

Ricky was a Wood River native, loved fishing, had a passion for American muscle cars and politics. He had a huge heart and loved his family beyond measure. He was an entrepreneur and business owner.

Ricky was born to Sharon and Charles Paris February 3, 1963, in Alton, IL – later adopted by Betty and Kenny Mitchem, his maternal grandparents, all of whom proceeded him in death.

Ricky is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Debbie (Lara) Mitchem whom he married June 22, 1996;
He is also survived by his daughter, Regina (Ryan) Cox; his grandchildren that were so special to his heart, Lynzie Hill (Kris Burney), Olivia Hill and Dayhne Ricky Cox. Two sisters, Debbie (David) Eller and Rhonda (John) Richardson; nephews, Brandon (Tyler) Hord and Steven Richardson (Kayla Liebman); brothers and sisters in-law, Paula (Perry) Hagen, Daniel Lara, Cheryl (Jack) Chippindale, Patricia Twichell, David (Ann) Gentry, Caroline Gentry-Folland, Malia Gentry (Lynn Fitzgerald), Betty (Bob) Byers, Linda (Jeff) Tolle; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

We would also like to honor his lifelong, best friend John Richardson and his dearly loved niece, Christa Hagen, who were both very special to his heart.

In addition to his parents and adoptive grandparents, Ricky was also preceded in death by his mother and father in-law Richard and Lenora Lara; brothers in law, David Lara, Don Folland and Thomas Twichell; as well as good friends, Pat Quigley and Larry Reams.

Visitation will be from 9 am until time of service at 11 am, Saturday, May 3 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to his wife, Debbie, to assist with funeral arrangements.

A celebration of life will be held at Ricky’s scheduled benefit on May 10 at the Bunker Hill Municipal Building beginning at 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM.

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