Family remembers Ricky Don Scott after industrial accident

IOWA PARK (KFDX/KJTL) — The family of 60-year-old Ricky Don Scott, who died in an industrial accident at United Rentals, is remembering him as a loving husband, father and grandfather whose sense of humor and love for his family left a lasting impact. Scott’s family said he was known to many as Rick. While they said he could come across as stern, he always knew how to crack a joke and had a heart for the people he loved. His family is now mourning the sudden loss, saying it is a difficult time that no one could have prepared for. “I would say that we’re definitely taking it very hard. Obviously it’s very sad and we did not expect it. I think that everyone’s very sad, like so many people loved him,” said Scott’s granddaughter, Kinliegh Slaughter. Scott’s granddaughters — Lyla, Kinliegh and Eden Slaughter — said their “Poppy” loved spending time at the lake and taking them out on the boat. They described him as a caring man who may have appeared intimidating to some but was always making jokes and enjoying time with his family. “He was a really great guy. He was funny. He loved to make jokes,” Lyla said. “He really did love taking us on the boat. It was one of his favorite things to do. We went tubing a lot, and he liked throwing us off,” Kinliegh said. “He always would just have fun with us, and he would never purposely try to be rude or anything to us. He was really nice,” Eden said. Kinliegh said some of her favorite memories with her grandfather were the days spent together at the lake. “I think going to the lake was definitely my favorite memory with him. We did so much fun stuff there. Whether we were just riding on the boat or we were just sitting on the dock and, the Fourth of July is watching fireworks and stuff. It’s really fun,” Kinliegh said. The sisters also said their grandfather taught them lessons they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. “He really helped me, like, believe in myself and make me feel strong,” Lyla said. “I think he just taught me something I’ll carry on is just to have fun and just do fun stuff and kind of just be a fun, stress-free person. Just do fun stuff and just have a good time,” Kinliegh said. “He always helped us have confidence and be ourselves and make us happy,” Eden said. Eden said Scott had a way of making those around him smile. “He was really nice and he always tried to make people happy. And every time you go into a room or something, they would light a door and make everybody really happy,” Eden said. Although Scott’s death was unexpected, his granddaughters said the tragedy has brought their family closer together. “I think that is really important because even in the midst of it all, I feel like we’re all feeling super loved. I feel like we were all kind of distancing, and now, this is bringing us together,” Lyla said. The three granddaughters ended their tribute with one final message for their grandfather. “We love you, Poppy,” the Slaughters said. Scott’s family said they are continuing to navigate the difficult days ahead and will lean on one another as they grieve.