Rickey Mel Murch (76) of Tulare, California, passed away on October 19, 2024.  He was born July 1, 1948, in Tulare, California, to John and Goldie Murch. He attended school in Tulare, attending Palo Verde Union Elementary and Tulare Western High School.

Rickey met Linda Wilbanks, and they quickly became sweethearts; they were married in 1966 and settled in Tulare. Rickey later began his 30-plus-year career working as a construction welder for Butler Manufacturing.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Wilbanks Murch, and two sons, Rickey Murch Jr. and Steven Murch (Melody). He also has eight grandchildren (Matthew, Kyle, Brittany, Daniel, Niki, Krystal, Joey, and Ethan), nine great-grandchildren, three siblings (Virgil, Kathryn, and David), many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rickey was preceded in death by his Father John B. Murch, Mother Goldie M. Murch, his brothers Johnny, Billie Joe, Jack, Donald, Wayne, his sister Deloris, and his daughter Carolyn Murch Jimenez.

If you had the privilege of knowing Rickey, you knew that family meant everything to him. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. Rickey was a huge fan of Elvis, enjoyed all things science fiction, slot machine gambling, and woodworking, was an expert Xbox Gamer of Tanks and Call of Duty, spent many days tending his lawn, and spent many hours reminiscing with his family about the good old times.

The family would like to thank everyone who was involved in caring for Rickey.

There will be a viewing from 4-7 pm on October 28, 2024, at the Peers Lorentzen Funeral Home, 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare. Chapel Services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the Peers Lorentzen Funeral Home, 132 W. Kern Ave., Tulare. Graveside services will immediately follow at the North Tulare Cemetery.

Peers-Lorentzen Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.