Ricky Latimer

Ricky S. Latimer, 62, of Belleville, IL, born June 7, 1963, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the people who loved him most.

Ricky spent many years working as a forklift operator at Belleville Shoe Mfg., where he was known for his dependability, hard work ethic and silly personality - always managing to get a laugh out of his co-workers even on the toughest days.

Ricky was a man of many passions. He had a deep appreciation for anything with wheels, wings, or engines and truly loved all things planes, trains, and automobiles. He enjoyed motorsports and over the years, built countless models and dioramas of all types as well as HO-scale train sets. He was also an avid R/C Airplane Pilot. As a life-long hobbyist, he took great pride in every detail of his craft. One of his biggest passions was his music. As an amateur musician and lover of rock ‘n roll, some of his happiest moments were spent playing the guitar or keyboard. In addition to his numerous hobbies, he also had a soft spot for every dog and cat that came into his life.

He was a big kid at heart and carried a sense of fun and curiosity throughout his life. He had a gentle spirit and loved unconditionally. His kindness was simple, dependable, and sincere. Ricky will be remembered for the way he loved deeply, wholeheartedly, and without hesitation. His one-of-a-kind personality and the memories he gave will live on in all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, John L. Latimer; his mother, Beverly, nee Reinhardt, Chapman; a brother, John F. Latimer; a great-nephew, Mason Schmittling; a brother-in-law, Michael Phelps; and his stepfather, Earl J. Chapman.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Cory (Siu) Latimer; two daughters, Courtney Latimer and Kirstie (Brandon) Beasley; two sisters, Susan Phelps and Kim (Dennis) Schmittling; three grandchildren, Sebastian, Benjamin, and Nevaeh, who brought him endless joy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were brighter because of him.

Memorials may be made to the COPD Foundation or Vitas Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Doug Hargrave officiating.

Burial will be held at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL, at a later date.

According to Ricky’s wishes, cremation was held.