Fred C. "Ricky" Rube, Jr.

Fred C. “Ricky” Rube Jr. was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on August 18, 1946. Ricky attended Baton Rouge High School, and later, Southeastern Louisiana University, where he was a member of the track team. At age 19, he began working at Coburn Supply Company as an outside salesman. Ricky retired from Coburn’s and began a very successful career as the manager of Southern Pipe and Supply, where he achieved the honor of the highly coveted Champion’s Club. After retiring from Southern Pipe, his “fun job” was driving cars at the auto auction in Hammond. Ricky served loyal customers in the plumbing supply business for 46 years and at the car auction for 11 years. Through these years of working in customer service, Ricky made an innumerable amount of friends and left an impact on everyone he met. In 2005, Ricky converted to the Catholic faith, after becoming friends with the local priest in Hammond. He is a member of the parishes at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and St. Albert Catholic Church. Ricky loved to fish, boat ride, hunt, and ride his Harley on long trips. He could fix anything, from children’s toys to lawn mowers, but his passion was working on outboard boat motors to get them running at top speed and performance. Ricky was skilled in a multitude of fields, but most notably electrical and plumbing. He shared his gift with a countless number of people and found joy in helping anyone he could. He also loved making people smile and laugh. He often played jokes on his family and friends. Ricky never met a stranger, and never forgot a name or a face. He had two speeds in life, “wide open,” or stop, and he did not stop very often. He was very particular when doing a job and took great pride in his work. His work ethic was greatly appreciated by all, and he received numerous letters of gratitude from everyone he helped. After his diagnosis, Ricky had a short time at home to visit with all of his friends and to share memories with them. Many told stories about attending both car and boat races, listening to “good old” music, boat riding, water skiing, riding his Harley, fishing, and spending time in Manchac and Husser, two places in which he and his wife spent most of their time. His first concern after his diagnosis was his family, whom he loved deeply. Ricky passed away at the age of 78 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ricky is preceded in death by his first wife, Faye Lively Rube (1986); his son, Darren John Rube (2017); his grandson, Brennan Hale Rube (2015); and his parents, Fred Rube Sr. (1980) and Irma Foil Rube (2001).

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Philomena Husser Rube; his daughter, Renee Rube Easley (Craig); as well as his stepdaughter, Leah Faust Fitzhugh (Malcolm); and his sister, Rebecca Prichard Branciere (Andy). Ricky is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Madelyn Easley Tate (Kaleb), Molly Easley (Josh), Hannah Rube, Justin Quigley, Haley Quigley, Cadence Rube, Reese Fitzhugh and Riley Fitzhugh; and his great grandson, Kooper Tate. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Passages Hospice and Barry Bankston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation or Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mr. Ricky's Memorial Visitation at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m., officiated by Fr. Charlie Johnson.

A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.