Rick L. Carmichael

Rick L. Carmichael, 74, of Fairbury, NE passed away June 13, 2021, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln, NE after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Fairbury to Harland Robert and Lovetta (Richter) Carmichael, Rick met his one true love Shirley (Day) Carmichael in May of 1965  and they were married June 25, 1967. Their first child, Craig Carmichael was born on their wedding anniversary in 1969 and son Cory Carmichael was born December 10, 1981. Rick loved the outdoors, was an outstanding athlete earning numerous high school honors, was a skilled woodworker and has always been avid about all kinds of fishing. He enjoyed helping others catch “the big one” instead of claiming it for himself. He dedicated his life to both his wife, family, and his hometown. Always honest and direct, Rick never left a doubt about his intentions or position on anything.

After succeeding in management for SafeWay grocery stores, he discovered his passion for law enforcement. Rick began working part-time for the Police Department in 1977, graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (where later in his career was an instructor), was a deputy sheriff for Jefferson County, and became the Fairbury Chief of Police in 1990. As the Chief of Police, Rick was always balancing family and work. He was a mentor, trainer, served on multiple crime and drug enforcement task forces, coached youth basketball, and served his communities in Nebraska in ways too numerous to mention. Rick appeared on-camera as a law enforcement advisor for the Travel Channel television series The Dead Files in 2018. Rick received a volume of accolades over his years of service in law enforcement, none more prestigious than being inducted into the Nebraska Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2017.

Rick’s love for his wife Shirley was always at the forefront of his life. Rick was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance were the foundation of his family.

Rick was predeceased by parents Harland “Bob” and Lovetta Carmichael, sister Kathleen (Carmichael) Mau and his grandparents Leo & Nellie Richter and Edward & Mary Carmichael and leaves behind wife Shirley, sons Craig and Cory, brother Dennis Carmichael and his wife Anne (Murphy) Carmichael, sister Marleen (Carmichael) Mueller and her husband Arthur (Jerry) Mueller, daughters in law Paula and Jennifer, grandchildren Chase, Riley, Hailey, Carter and Barron Carmichael and tons of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services will be Friday, June 18, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury.  Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.