Bernie Bricker, 68, Russell County, KY

Bernard Ross Bricker, Jr., of Russell Springs, Kentucky, died May 16th, 2026 in Russell Springs, Kentucky.

Bernard (Bernie) was born December 29th, 1958 - to the late Rev. Bernard Ross Bricker (d. 1975) and the late Jacqueline Virginia Bricker (d. 2025).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Sandy Alexander, Bobbie Knox, Brenda Sue Bricker, Belinda Rogers, and Elizabeth Cox.

From 1979 through 1994, Bernie faithfully served in the United States Army as a Personnel Test Specialist, a Military Personnel Specialist and HQ's Administrative Specialist. While serving, he received the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant.

Upon discharge from the service, he worked for the US Postal Service and the Dana Corporation. After surviving an industrial accident, Bernie was employed in a variety of different concerns. After receiving his BS degree from Campbellsville University in 2014, he especially enjoyed substitute teaching.

In addition to golfing, gardening, fishing with his wife and cooking, Bernie loved sharing his gift of music. While directing and singing in various music choirs and ensembles, bringing music into nursing homes brought him and the residents perhaps the greatest joy. He was named as a Kentucky Colonel for his singing ministry.

Survivors include: His loving wife, Teresa, of 27 years; two step-sons, Jason and Nick Hadley of Lexington; daughter Kristie (Ronnie) Brown of Hinesville, GA; daughter Katelyn (Will) Sanders of Columbia, SC; two grandsons Blake Brown and Mason Sanders, one granddaughter Nova Sanders; brother Tim Bricker of New Jersey; sister Shirley Stacy of Atlanta, GA; sister Mary Browning of Indiana; numerous nephews and nieces; "special nieces" Debbie Curry, Kim Shepherd, Jennifer Ray and Megan Yancey.

Funeral service - 10amCT, Friday, May 22nd, 2026, with military honors by the DAV Chapter #51 and interment at the Russell Springs City Cemetery. Bernard Funeral Home is hosting the services.

Pallbearers are: Jason Hadley, Nick Hadley, David Royce, Kevin Shepherd, Evan Curry, Travis Miller, Jimmy Bell and Frances Hatfield.

The family requests that any memorial gifts be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and/or God's Food Pantry, Russell County. Donations can be made at the funeral home.

This story was posted on 2026-05-20 20:40:21.
Email comments or corrections.