Ricky Lee Fannin

FANNIN, Ricky Lee "Rick", age 61 of Kettering, formerly of Spring Valley, passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at his home after a brave battle against cancer. He was born in Dayton, OH on September 10, 1951 to Everett Ray and Thelma Mae (Walker) Fannin. Rick was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where he shared his gift of music with the children's education classes and was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. He often attended the Spring Valley United Methodist Church. Rick was a singer/ musician who entertained audiences in the Dayton-Cincinnati area for over 40 years, starting in high school and playing continuously since. Some of the bands he was a part of include: Purgatory, Gandalf, Indian Summer, Dayton-Yellow Springs Band, Rick Fannin Band, the popular Irish music duo Fannigan's Isle (for 27 years), and most recently, The Elderly Brothers, in addition to countless solo music gigs. He was well known for his beautiful and versatile singing voice, his skill on guitar and other instruments, and his incredible memory for the seemingly endless number of songs in his repertoire. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Jo-Ellen (nee Kotschwar); children, Benjamin (Caroline) Fannin of Los Angeles and Lea Fannin of Spring Valley; grandson, Silas of Spring Valley; brothers, Gary (Cheri) Fannin of West Carrollton and Brian (Amy Mooney) Fannin of Beavercreek; brother-in-law Jim (Toni) Kotschwar of Oak Harbor, WA; sisters-in-law, Jeanine Kotschwar of Grand Forks, ND; and Paula Maue of Bellbrook; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Rick was an authentic and unique person, whose talent, clever sense of humor, and devotion to the people and interests he loved will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 5:00pm at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd, Kettering, OH. Family will greet friends following the service until 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 10:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville. Burial to follow in Mt. Zion Park Cemetery.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429