Rick Flowers

Sitting here typing your obituary has to be one of the harder things I’ve ever done, but watching you slowly die from brain cancer had to be the hardest. How do I adequately sum up your life, all your hopes, all your dreams and accomplishments in a few short paragraphs? I can’t. You were so much more than a couple of paragraphs.

You were an amazing husband to me. Always there for me, always picking up the pieces and literally putting me first for the last 27 years. You made me the happiest woman in the world and I hope you know that. You were my rock, my love at first site and I can’t even imagine the future without you. It was me and you against the world baby. 

I couldn’t have asked for a better father to our children. You tried to come off as the “stern” parent, but you didn’t fool us. You were the teddy bear, the pushover, the one the kids went to when they wanted something. You were also the one that was always there for them. The one that they could rely on no matter what. For that, I am eternally grateful. 

You had to have been the proudest Grampa I know. The look on your face when our daughter first told you she was expecting and then the look of pure joy the very first time you held your little “Peapod” was absolutely priceless. I think you and Peapod had your own language. We all know you both had your secret little jig. You were so thrilled and honored to be a Grampa. I only wish you had more time. 

Your biggest concern was that you were going to be forgotten. You were loved by so may, that isn’t even a possibility. Your mother, your in laws, brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, friendsand so many others are already grieving the loss and feeling the hole you’ve created in all of our hearts. 

You were welcomed home by so many that were lost too soon. Our infant son, Caleb Flowers, your mother, Ernie (Jim) Gilmore and your father Larry Flowers, your brother-in-law, Robert McMillen and brother Tim Logan. Your grandparents were also there to give you a welcoming hug along with many other relatives and friends.

But there are just as many, if not more people that are still here that are going to remember you forever. Our children, Nicholas Flowers, Morgan (Trenton Drwal) Flowers and Connor Flowers along with your 1st and onlygrandchild, Kasper Lavon Joseph Drwal (your little peapod). Your lovingand amazing mother, Marlysis (Harry) Anderson, your sister Cindy (Paul) Newton along with their children, Ryan, Jason, PJ and Amanda. Your sister Kim (Scott) Kawall along with their daughters, Ashlee, Lauren and Maddie. Your sister, Jonnie (Howard) McNece along with their children April and Justin. Your brother Tim Flowers along with his children, Daniel, Jan, Jordan, Emma and Tommy. Your brother Dale (Connie) Flowers along with their daughters, Dakota, Cheyenne and Savanna . Your brother Donny (Cari) Flowers along with their children Andrew, Cameron, Camille and Olivia. Your brother-in-law, Richard McMillen and his daughter, Sara. Lastly, but certainly not the least, your amazingly supportive Mother and Father-in law, my loving parents, Donald and Denise McMillen. 

You were born in Sandwich, 62 years ago on February 7, 1962. You finally found your senses and asked me to marry you in 1998 and we spent the next 27, beautiful and amazing years together. You spent the last 10 years, after retiring from Kendall County Sheriff’s office keeping yourself busy with your odd jobs. You enjoyed your hunting and fishing along with being an avid sports fan. Mowing was your passion, much to my contention as I was not allowed to touch a lawn mower. Yes, I will always remember the pot holes I put in our yard. You were a fierce and loyal friend and we ended up having an amazing group of friends. You loved socializing with people, so your part time bartending job was right up yourlane. I think you spent more time talking than pouring drinks.

There is so much more I can say about your early years and after, that we are going to have to write that book about you after all. You were an amazing person with so many gifts and talents and you had so much love in your heart for those you held dear. I can now only imagine what our retirement years would have looked like together.

I would be remiss to not mention how grateful and thankful I was for your entire care team out of Rush Copley, to include Dr. Davelis, Dr. Meschi and Dr. Grimm and all of their amazingly talented and compassionate oncology staff. They were with you every step of the way for the last two (2) years and it meant the world to me. DMJ was an amazing company to work with and I was so thankful for your home health nurse, Erica. I have to thank Sri from First Health with your palliative care and then your brief hospice care. We were lucky to have both of them.

Since your passing on August 25, 2024, the kids, family and I have been planning your funeral. You’d be happy to see the ruckus you’re causing with the 10,000 pictures I have of you all over the house right now. You did like the attention. We are going to gather at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL on this Friday, August 30, 2024 and have a visitation for you from 11 am to 2 pm. At 2 pm, Pastor Matthew Jones from the Nazarene Church isgoing to officiate your service. Afterwards, we are all going to meet at the Nazarene Church; 205 W College St., Sandwich to celebrate you and let your memory live on. Burial is going to be private and at a later date at Oakridge Cemetery.

We got to do so much together, but there was so much more left undone. You were taken way too soon. You wanted to live so badly and fought your diagnosis with every fiber in your body. The last couple years have been a roller coaster, but I felt privileged and honored to be right there by your side. I can only hope you know how much you were loved. 

Your Best Friend and Loving wife,

Wendy