Franklin Paul Ricketts

Poem by Franklin's Daughter, Christie: We hung out in the backyard shed,
While you showed me every tool;
You taught me how to mow the lawn,
Then we cooled off in the pool.

You took us to work with you,
Those endless summer days;
We often went for donuts or roller skating,
A beloved Saturday morning craze!

I loved when we would "hitchhike"
Waiting for you at the end of the block;
You picked us up in your old green van,
After we'd anxiously watched the clock.

You were the best softball coach,
A daughter could have had;
You taught me good sportsmanship, fairness,
And how to smile even when I was sad!

As I became a teenager,
You explained it all to me;
No matter what happens with the boys,
"there will always be more fish in the sea".

Even as an adult,
You greatly impact my life;
You have always praised my victories,
And commiserated in times of strife.

"Onward and Upward",
You say that's where we'll go;
The strength that you give me is immeasurable,
I hope you sincerely know.

You're my rock, my confidant,
My hero and my friend;
Forever a "daddy's girl",
We have a bond that will never end.
Funeral Home Obituary Franklin Paul Ricketts, the former Mayor of the City of Lawrence passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 at his residence surrounded by family and friends. Born in Lawrence, Indiana on July 22, 1954, he was the son of Frank and the late Lois (Roberts) Ricketts. Also preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Ronald and Sylvia Lamar Roberts and paternal grandparents, Floyd and Bernadine Ehman Ricketts.

A 1972 graduate of Lawrence Central High School, Paul attended Ball State University and IUPUI. Coming from a long family tradition of community service, he held several positions of responsibility that include 32 years in the assessing field at which he was elected to Lawrence Township Assessor in 1996. In 2007, he was elected as the 5th mayor in the history of the City of Lawrence. He held that position until 2011, where his greatest strengths were his ability to initiate new ideas and forge business and government partnerships to bring new and improved services to benefit everyone in the City of Lawrence. Paul was a member of Horizon Christian Fellowship Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karin (Boertmann) Ricketts, whom he married on December 20, 1985, his daughters, Christie Ricketts Wilmoth, Amanda Ricketts, Karen (Mike) McKenna, USAF Lt. Sarah Ricketts, step-sons, USAF Sgt. Travis (Megan) Porter, Joe Porter, Jr., and grandchildren Sydney Wilmoth, Brianna Porter and Landon Porter. He is also survived by his father Frank Ricketts and sister Patti (Tim) Shaw, along with several nieces, nephews and grandnieces.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 29, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 7702 Indian Lake Road, Indianapolis. Funeral services will also be at the Church on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Bill Goodrich officiating. Burial will follow at Cicero Cemetery at Cicero, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Crossroad of America Council, 7125 Fall Creek Road North, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hartley Funeral Homes Cicero Chapel. Another way to contribute is, a special endowment scholarship fund has been created in Paul's honor: The name of the endowment scholarship is "The Lawrence Township Girls' Softball Scholarship Fund: In Memory of Mayor Paul Ricketts". All contributions have to indicate the name of the fund and to be mailed to Lawrence Township School Foundation, 6501 Sunnyside Rd., Suite A219, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Envelopes will be available at the service. Thank you. Visitation
May 29, 2012
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Horizon Christian Fellowship 7702 Indiana Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 823-2349 Funeral Service
May 30, 2012
10:00 AM
Horizon Christian Fellowship 7702 Indiana Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 823-2349 Burial
May 30, 2012
11:00 AM
Cicero Cemetery Cicero, IN