Pastor Ricky Joe Youngblood (Rick), of Branson, Missouri
Pastor Ricky Joe Youngblood (Rick), of Branson, Missouri, was born on February 19th , 1955, in Harrison, Arkansas, and was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on July 8th, 2026, at the age of 71.
Rick was the son of Grover and Bonnie Youngblood. In his early years, he graduated from Hollister High School and attended Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville before receiving the call to preach. He then spent many years of his life as an Assemblies of God minister in Kirbyville, Monett, Galena, and Mossyrock, Washington. His favorite role, though, was being a father to his four children, Adam, Kisheena, Cheyenne, and Josiah. He eventually settled in Aurora, Missouri, where he instilled in them a love of the Lord, the joy of music, and a heart for ministry.
Rick will be remembered as a faithful pastor, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, treasured friend, and humble servant of God. Throughout his life and ministry, Rick deeply cared for his congregation and was known for his soft smile, kind demeanor, and ability to offer comfort in difficult seasons, encouragement in moments of need, and steady guidance rooted in faith, compassion, and love.
A terrific guitar player and former member of the Living Waters band, Rick was also known for the joy he brought to his family and others through music. The tradition of music was passed along to each of his children and grandchildren, either through song or guitar, a legacy of which he was very proud.
In addition to his ministry and music, he and Mary enjoyed the simple blessings of spending life together. Rick loved the outdoors, but above all, he cherished time with his family and friends, creating memories marked by laughter, conversation, and love.
Rick is survived by his wife of nearly sixteen years, Mary Youngblood of Branson; children, Adam Youngblood (Martha) of Aurora, Josiah Youngblood (Lydia) of Joplin, Kisheena Biehl (Brian) of Fordland, and Cheyenne Stewart (Kris) of Rogersville; sisters, Lavonna Bruce (Roy) of Springfield and Cleota Trussell of Nixa; stepchildren, Travis Little (Sue) of Washington, Missouri, and Amy Watson of Branson; eight grandchildren, Gavin Youngblood, Kaiden Biehl, Hailey Biehl, Brynlee Biehl, Kylie Stewart, Mason Stewart, Maddux Stewart, and Peyton Youngblood; and three step-grandchildren, Noah Little, Joseph Detrick Little, and Riley Watson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Bonnie, and siblings, Jimmy, Hobert, and Max Youngblood.
Rick’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the prayers he offered, the songs he played, and the love he gave so freely.
A celebration of his life will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Henderson Baptist Church, 121 State Hwy D, Rogersville, Missouri, with Rev. Tim Snider officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Omaha Cemetery, Omaha, Arkansas.