Ricky "Rick" Ray Esry

Ricky (Rick) Ray Esry, 65, of Buckner, Missouri, passed away October 2023. Rick was born in Independence, MO, to Herman and Joyce Esry on June 22, 1958. Rick spent his childhood years in Buckner.  Rick served his country in the United States Army from November 4, 1976 to December 3, 1979 as a Sergeant in the Army Active Duty. He was in the Special Forces Group and was an expert Rifleman, Parachutist, expert Infantryman, and a qualified Airborne Ranger. Rick served in the Panama Canal, and was in the Reserves 3 years active duty. After Rick’s discharge from the Army, he received his machinist certification November 4, 1982, from Linn Technical College, Linn, MO. He lived in Cairo, MO, for many years, then returned to Buckner where he married and had one son, Benjamin.  Rick received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in the early 1980s. His relationship with his Savior was a personal one that he wanted others to know about. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Buckner. Today we take comfort knowing Rick is with his Lord and Savior without the burdens of this world.

Rick is survived by his son, Benjamin Esry, of Lee’s Summit. Two brothers Herman Esry of Buckner, Leslie (Joe) Esry of Kansas City, six sisters, Martha Gibbs of Kansas City, Linda (Don) Fields of Florida, Leanna Esry of Gladstone, MO, Melody (Fred) Chapman of California, Tena (Pat) Walkinshaw of Texas, and Annie (Chuck) Nelson of Oregon. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Joyce Esry, one brother-in-law, one nephew, and a great niece.  Funeral services will be held March 4, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 131 South Hudson Street, Buckner MO. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, with services beginning at 11:00 am.  Rick will be laid to rest in the Buckner Cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Buckner Chapel (816) 650-5555)