Ralph Sicks

Charles Ralph Sicks, 94, a lifetime PGA golf pro, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2014. He was born in Independence, Kansas on January 7, 1920 and showed an early passion for the game of golf. A natural athlete, he honed his talent playing at every opportunity. He and his brother, Ivan, moved to California to compete in West Coast tournaments and it was there he met his future wife, Anne. In 1950, they married and moved to Orange, Texas where he took the position of golf professional at Sunset Grove Country Club. Five years later, he helped build Kayouchee Coulee Golf Course in Lake Charles and became the golf pro there, retiring in 1978. As much as Ralph was great at playing golf, he was even better at teaching, giving lessons until the age of 90. Hundreds of golfers learned to play the game through his instruction and every summer he held a junior golf clinic to encourage younger players to join the sport. Ralph managed the day-to-day operations of Kayouchee, organized the Men's and Ladies Golf Associations and coordinated countless golf tournaments including the annual American Cancer Society event, with Anne always by his side. He instilled a strong work ethic in their three daughters, encouraging them to always do their best. Ralph loved a good joke and was an ardent LSU fan. He is survived by his three daughters, Diane Mauricio and her husband, Jose' of Missouri City, TX, Donna Walsh and her husband, John of Shreveport and Denise Landin of Baton Rouge; two grandchildren, Trey and Laura Walsh; a sister, Ruby Deason of Chicago and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Anne, his parents, Charles Buford and Mamie Belle Balliett Sicks and brothers Vivian, Clyde, Frank and Ivan Sicks. Ralph's family offers heartfelt thanks to Krystal Moore, his special caregiver for four years. Thanks are also extended to Cynthia Pettifield, Cindy Edwards, Liz Reeves and Norma Granger for their care and support. They are also appreciative for the wonderful friends who enriched Ralph's life through the years. His funeral will be held at Johnson Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation Tuesday will begin at 10:00 AM until time of service. Pastor Paul Estes will officiate and Louis Bonnette will share memories of Ralph. A private burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.