To view the flowers from Rick's visitation, click here: Rick Held Flowers

Rick Held, 74, Minot died on Monday, May 10, 2021 in his home with his loving family by his side.

Rickey Lloyd Held was born on August 2, 1946 in St. Louis, MO to Herschel and Donna (Davis) Held.  He was raised in Barnhart, MO; attended school in Crystal City, MO where he was a member of the football and basketball teams.  He graduated from Crystal City High School in 1964.

Rick married Roberta "Ro" Richards, his high school sweetheart, on August 20, 1966 at the First United Methodist Church in Festus, MO.  Rick enlisted in the Air Force in January of 1966.  They made their home at various air force bases including Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ and Wheeler AFB in Honolulu, HI prior to moving to Minot Air Force Base in January of 1983.  Rick was stationed there with the 91 ^st Supply Squadron.  We honor him as a Vietnam Veteran who protected us for 22 years as a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force until his honorable discharge on April 1, 1988.  Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he was employed as a car salesman at various Minot dealerships until he retired in 2008.  Ro preceded him in death on December 27, 2015.  Rick had continued to make his home in the Crystal Springs subdivision of Minot.

Rick was a true patriot who loved his family, friends, and country.  He was a member of Vincent United Methodist Church and a volunteer at the Lord's Cupboard Food Pantry.  Rick especially enjoyed volunteering his time in the lunchroom at Edison Elementary where his grandson attended school.  He was affectionately known as "Papa Rick" by all the kids.  He was a fanatic about keeping his lawn mowed and keeping the deer, birds, and squirrels in his backyard fed.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and was always up to date with the PGA tour.  Rick spent many years golfing with his wife, son, and friends at the Souris Valley Golf course.  Additionally, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Rick also had a love for Ford Mustangs that started his senior year of high school when his father Herschel, who worked at the local Ford dealership, bought him a brand new 1964 Ford Mustang.

Rick was well known for his famous personality and greetings; he would always make you feel like a million dollars.  Rick was a wonderful man and friend that will be missed by so many.

Rick's loving family includes his children: Chris (Tiffany) Held and Carey (Craig) Erickson all of Minot; grandchildren:  Carson Held, Riley Held, Nixxen Held and Keaton Erickson; sister: Cindy (Steve) Donaldson of Pevely MO; niece Bessellen Stadler of Pevely MO; brother-in-law:  Sam (Becky) Richards of Festus MO; close cousin: Charlotte "Tudie" Avett of St. Louis, MO; his loyal canine companion Roxy and numerous cousins.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, wife, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Boston and Bertie Richards and sister-in-law: Becky (John) Mothershead.

A private family celebration of Rick's life, with military honors, will be held at his residence.
An informal book signing will take place on Friday May 21st from 4pm to 6pm at Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Lord's Cupboard Food Pantry or the donor's choice.