Rickey Eugene Chastain, a man whose life was characterized by faith, skillful hands, and a love for his family and the outdoors, passed away peacefully in Springfield, Missouri, on October 19, 2023. He was born on October 10, 1955, in Dallas County, Missouri, and lived a life full of adventure, joy, and service to others.
Rickey, known by many as a faith-filled man, a sturdy pillar of strength and a source of wisdom. He was a father to his sons, Matt (Shannon) Chastain and Don (Tina) Chastain. Rickey also shared a unique and close-knit bond with his siblings Gary (Delores) Chastain, Jerry (Nancy) Chastain, Tommy (Shirley) Chastain, Paul (Willa) Chastain, and sister Sherry (Skip) Flippen. He was a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, who will remember him fondly for his playful spirit and sage advice.
Educated through the GED program, Rickey was a self-made man who took pride in his work. He spent much of his career in mechanic work, always ready with a wrench and a helping hand. His colleagues knew him as someone who could fix anything and admired his tenacity and problem-solving skills.
Rickey’s interests were as broad as the Missouri skies under which he was born and raised. He had a profound love for tractor pulls, a sport that combined his mechanical aptitude with his competitive spirit. Racing, too, held a special place in his heart, the roar of the engines mirroring his own zest for life. However, it was the tranquility of nature that truly captivated Rickey. Be it going to the river, hunting in the early morning mist, or fishing on a serene afternoon, he found peace and joy in the great outdoors.
Rickey was a man of many talents, but his most remarkable quality was his love for others. His spirit was akin to a warm and welcoming hearth, always inviting, always comforting. He was a man who believed in the power of the Lord. And Rickey indeed left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and hard work.
In remembering Rickey, we are reminded of his infectious laugh, his twinkling eyes filled with mischief and mirth, and his hands, always busy, always creating. We remember a man whose life was not measured by the years he lived but by the love he gave and the lives he touched.
Rickey Eugene Chastain will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the laughter of his sons, the stories shared by his siblings, and the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him. His journey on earth may have ended, but his legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all those who follow in his footsteps.
