Ricardo Escamilla

Ricardo Escamilla, of Idlewild, MI, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away on April 26, 2023. Ricardo was born on April 11, 1960 and was the son of Jose and Jesusa Escamilla. He attended Vicksburg Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1978. During high school, he was a member of the cross-country and track teams. After graduation from high school, he moved South to work in the oil industry. After his short time working on the oil rigs, Ricardo returned to Kalamazoo, MI. It was in Kalamazoo he started a life-long career in residential roofing working himself to lead roofing contractor until his retirement. Ricardo was married to Deb Bauer for over twenty five years. They had three children: Jose, Louren, and Carlos. He was very family oriented and cherished his time with his children.

In retirement, he headed to Northern Michigan settling in Idlewild, MI. One can say he lived off the grid, but he was happiest living off his property in Idlewood. He engineered his own energy resources through solar thermal energy and wind turbine.  In his spare-time he enjoyed a good political discussion, watching a film that included Sci-Fi or history, and reading which included the bible. Ricardo’s family will remember him as humble, kind, gentle, intelligent, hardworking, determined, supportive, and having a great sense of humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Jose and Jesusita Escamilla; baby sister, Elena; and two brothers-in-law, Thomas Kelley and Ramah Shearer.

Ricardo is survived by his three children: Jose, of Kalamazoo; Louren, of San Diego, CA; and Carlos, of Kalamazoo; ten siblings: Victoria Kelley, of Three Rivers; Maria Lydia (Muhammed) Ali, of Portage; Esequiel Escamilla, of Kalamazoo; Jose Escamilla Jr., of Benton Harbor; Estella Shearer, of Vicksburg; Adalia (Dan) Martin, of Schoolcraft; Teresa (Rudy) Ruelas, of Traverse City; Jesus Escamilla, of OK; Alejandro Escamilla, of Chicago, IL; and Adolfo (Marie) Escamilla, of Portage. He is also survived by his former wife, Deb and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11am at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 East W Ave, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10am.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to visit Ricardo’s webpage to sign his guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.

The Escamilla family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.