Donald M. Ricker

Donald M. Ricker, 85, a lifelong resident of Clinton County, died on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon.

He was born June 27, 1927, in Clinton County, the son of Ross Glenn and Pearl Johnson Ricker.

Donald graduated from Frankfort High School in 1945.  He served in the United States Navy during World War II and the United States Army during the Korean War.  Donald married the former Patricia Joline Crum in 1946; she preceded him in death in 1969.  

Donald was a farmer most of his life.  While farming, he owned Pizza Plus.  He also worked as a salesman for DeHaai in Lafayette for 20 years and also for Texaco and Armour throughout his life.  Donald was a member of the American Legion, VFW, 40&8, Moose Lodge, and Masonic Lodge #641 for over 50 years; he was a former member of the Frankfort Lion’s Club.  He attended Hopewell and St. Luke Churches.  His passions were his family, golf, fishing, Westerns, and Cubs baseball.

Surviving are two daughters, Jo Kay Biesecker of Kokomo and Glenda Ann Ricker of Freehold, New Jersey; three sisters, Virginia Rushing of Arkansas, Mary Finch of Avon, and Julia Newhouse of Frankfort; six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, a great granddaughter, and long time companion, Sue Shaffer.

Visitation for Donald will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort from 11:00 a.m. until the memorial service at 1 p.m.  Inurnment will follow at Hopewell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donald’s name may be made to Great Lake Hospice, VFW, or American Legion.