Eddie Dean Carrico

Eddie Dean Carrico, 67, died Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Eddie was born March 3, 1959, in Wichita, Kansas, to Jack and Eloise Carrico. He and his family moved to Thayer in 1970 when Ed was in 6th grade. Eddie attended middle school and high school in Thayer, where he graduated in 1977. He always reminisced about his football-playing days.

Eddie began working for his family's grocery store, “Mama C’s after the family moved from Wichita. On September 10, 1992, Eddie and his then-wife, Darrin, opened Big Ed’s Steakhouse, where he continued to work and serve his community delicious food until August 2024, when he retired. His son, Levi, and Levi’s wife, Keesha, have continued to own and operate Big Ed’s Steakhouse since August 2024, so his legacy can live on.

He was a member of Thayer Lodge #149 A.F. & A.M., a member of the Scottish Rite Masons, and a member of Pittsburg Mirza Shrine. He was a Past Master of Thayer Masonic Lodge and a 32nd degree Mason through the Scottish Rite.

Eddie enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening, target shooting, and spending time with his family. There was nothing he enjoyed more than being able to provide the community with great-tasting steaks and great service, which is a hobby now shared by his son, Levi.

Survivors include his son Levi (Keesha) Carrico, brother Bill (Kim) Carrico, nephews Nick (Jennifer) Carrico, Ben (Kristen) Carrico, great-nieces and nephews Abigail, Emily, Tyson, and Brock Carrico. He also leaves behind Rebecca, his longtime employee of more than 30 years and, in every way that mattered, a daughter to him.

He is preceded in death by Parents Jack and Eloise Carrico, and brother Gary Carrico.

Memorials are suggested to Masonic Lodge 149 of Thayer, Kansas, and can be mailed to or left with Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave, Chanute, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Monday, September 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Thayer Christian Church, 8495 Dorn Rd, Thayer, Kansas 66776.

Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave, Chanute, Kansas 66720.