Fighting the early onset of Alzheimer’s – just as he fought as a Texas Longhorn defensive tackle – the man we knew and loved has finally walked off the field of life. A roar from the crowd can almost be heard for this valiant warrior, who for six years battled his toughest foe – the disease that takes a loved one away, one memory at a time. We wish he could be here one more day, for one more standing ovation for his efforts. Now gone is Allen Rickman.
Allen Mathew Rickman was born in Brady, Texas, on August 15, 1956, the second son of Dorothy and Bobby Rickman. Although the family moved to San Antonio when Allen was three, he returned to Brady often in later years with family and friends to enjoy hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors, which he loved so much. In San Antonio, he graduated from Churchill High School in 1974, earning first team All State honors in football. Allen was the first player from Churchill to achieve this honor. As a prized recruit for the University of Texas, he started for the Longhorns as a sophomore, an amazing feat. Allen went on to play in the Gator Bowl, the Bluebonnet Bowl, and finally, after his team’s undefeated 1977 season, the Cotton Bowl.
In 1978, Allen married his high school sweetheart, Lee Chetter. He devoted himself to her and would for the rest of their wonderful 33 years together. They were blessed with three children: Kelly, Chris, and Cole. Everything Allen did was for Lee and the kids. Allen and Lee cheered them on at countless football, baseball, basketball, and soccer games, track meets, band concerts, UIL competitions, and theatrical productions. He taught them to put family first, be hard-working, responsible, and fun-loving, and of course, to enjoy the great outdoors. Family vacations to Ruidoso, New Mexico, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and the Grand Canyon will long be remembered.
Battling Alzheimer’s to the end, Allen died at the family home in Kyle, Texas, on March 12, 2011. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lee, daughter Kelly, son Chris and his fiancé, Amanda Simon, and son Cole. Also surviving Allen are his father, Bobby Rickman, of Brady; brother, Robert Rickman; sister-in-law, Karen Rickman; nieces Megan and Kaitlin Rickman and nephew Todd Rickman, of San Antonio; father- and mother-in-law Dick and Fran Chetter, of Canyon Lake; brother-in-law Ric Chetter, of Memphis, Tennessee; aunts Melba Hemphill and Patty Rickman, of San Antonio; and cousins Derinda Mundell, of San Antonio, and Dee Rickman, of Austin. His mother, Dorothy (Dot) Rickman, and nephew, Brady Rickman, passed away before him.
A celebration of Allen’s life will be held at 2 p.m., March 24, 2011, at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas (www.camplucy.com). The family would like to thank, first and foremost, his mother-in-law, Fran, who spent years as caregiver and companion on a daily basis as he battled the disease. Also, Steve Hitzfeld and J. D. McDonald of Stone Solutions, who contributed so unselfishly as Alzheimer’s eroded opportunities for Allen to contribute to the job he loved.
Also, good friends Cherie and Rusty Haggard, for their love, support, and friendship, especially in the final trying months, weeks, and days. Also, John Diaz, Allen’s caretaker in his final days. Finally, to the wonderful staff of Harbor Hospice for their loving care as his life ebbed away. Those interested are encouraged to make a donation to Harbor Hospice or the charity of their choice.
