Ricky James “Rick” Phelps, 62, peacefully passed away on August 15, 2023, at his home in rural Ellinwood, Kansas. He was born on June 30, 1961, in Great Bend, Kansas, to James and Eunice (Williams) Phelps. On June 7, 1997, he married Kathryn “Kathye” Ramsey in Pawnee Rock, Kansas. She survives.
A lifetime resident of Barton County, Rick was the owner/operator of Dogwood Tree Service. Rick was a dedicated follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend, NRA, and former member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. He was a gun enthusiast, coin collector, enjoyed horses and mules, but especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, Devin (Kate) Ramsey, Keylin (significant other, Shaelee) Phelps, and Brevan Phelps, all of Great Bend; three daughters, Amanda (Jeremy) King of Pratt, Madilyn Phelps of Salina, and Isabella Phelps of Ellinwood; five grandchildren with two more on the way, Dylan, Ryan, Lauren, Renly and Aryiah; his mother, Eunice Lane of Hoisington; and two brothers, Damon (Brenda Roat) Phelps of Hoisington, and Jimmy (Laurie) Krebs of Newark, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his father, James; and a son, Brandon Lee Phelps.
Visitation will be held from Noon to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Don Fisher presiding. Memorials have been designated to the Rick Phelps Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.