Stanley Howard Ricks

GREENFIELD – Stanley Howard Ricks, age 85, of Greenfield, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026. He was born in Indianapolis on March 3, 1940, to Howard J. and Louemma (Souder) Ricks. He graduated from Hancock-Central High School in 1958. Stan received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1962 and his master’s degree from Butler in Music Education which guided the rest of his life. He married his high school sweetheart Phyllis (Trick) on June 9, 1962. His love of teaching, music, travel and family was his focus throughout life. Stan started his teaching journey at Mt. Vernon High School as music director and wrote the original school fight song, music and lyrics which are still in use today. He spent the next three decades at Pike High School teaching marching band, jazz band, pep band, organizing band camps, performances and parades, and taking 200 member bands on many memorable trips around the Country. He appreciated the continued connections with his former band students, many of which continued into music careers of their own. He played every instrument and led church choir for 40 years. He also found great joy in spending time in the presence of his family and his 6 grandchildren, traveling to many of their activities across the country. He will be missed dearly. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Ricks; son, Jeff (Kelly Ritchie) Ricks; daughter, Debbie (Jim) Breen; six grandchildren, Benjamin Ricks, Miranda (Joe) Mullis, Maxwell Ricks, Lauren Breen, Bryce Breen, and Morgan Breen; and siblings, Stephen Ricks, Pam (Dan) Cameron, and Peggy Ricks. He was preceded in death by his parents H.J. Ricks and Louemma Ricks; sister, Linda Strahl; and sister-in-law, Karen Ricks. All are welcome to join the family in celebration of his life on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a brief service at 7:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. There will be a private graveside service on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Park Cemetery in Greenfield. Memorial contributions may be made by mail to H.J. Ricks Center for the Arts, 122 W. Main Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Stanley Howard Ricks

March 3, 1940 - January 16, 2026