Rickey E. "Rick" Bannon, age 66 of Elwood, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his family following an extended illness.  He was born on June 26, 1951 in Elwood, the son of George E. and Beverly L. (Pool) Wallis.  Rick worked as a skilled painter for 41 years and was also employed as a painter at the Indiana Reformatory in Pendleton before retiring in 2010.  Rick was a 1969 graduate of Chula Vista High School in California.  He was an avid fisherman, and was known for his great sense of humor.  Rick loved to spend time with his family, especially with his great-grandson Kaiden, who he considered his best friend.  More than anything, Rick will be remembered for being a caring person and devoted to his family.

Rick's family includes parents, George E. and Beverly L. Wallis of Elwood; daughter, Stephannie (husband Thomas) Wallace of Elwood; son, Keith (wife Leslie) Huggins of Rutherford, TN; brother, Christopher Wallis of Elwood; sister, Penny (husband Tony) McCord of Frankton; 7 grandchildren, Summer Phillips, Cora Bannon, Tylon Scott, Graccey Tyner, Braden Huggins, Aaron Denbow, and Dylan Huggins; 1 great-grandson, Kaiden Johns; and several nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Barry Bannon; grandparents, Harold and Alice Pool; and nephew, Neil Wiseman.

A funeral service celebrating Rick's life will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Matt Miller officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm prior to the service on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.