Robert F. Ricker, age 94, of Delta, passed away at Swanton Health Care Wednesday afternoon, February 5, 2014 four days after his birthday. He was born in Dover Twp. North of Wauseon on February 1, 1920 one of six boys to the late David Ricker and Cora (Fowler) Ricker. Bob attended grade school at North Dover and was a 1939 graduate of Chesterfield High School. After graduation he worked on a farm south of Delta and later took a position at Markey Bronze in Delta. In 1941 he met and married Grace Murray and she preceded him in death in 2009. Bob was called to serve his country during WWII with the U.S Army. He trained in Missouri and California before being shipped to England. After training in England he participated in the invasion of France; where he spent the rest of his service time being discharged in 1945 after the war. Upon returning to Delta he worked as a mechanic at Harmon Chevrolet for five years then went into business for himself as owner and operator of Delta Auto Wrecking. Bob also expanded into building a couple mobile home parks and selling mobile homes. He was a member of the Delta American Legion; were he was active with the drill team and served as a past Commander and Chaplain. In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Floyd, Walter, Carl, Everett and Marion Ricker. From his time of marriage to Grace he was blessed with two daughters, Judy (Ron) Mills of Pasadena, CA and Kathy (Kevin) Wyse of Wauseon. Also left to cherish his memory are 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and best friend, Nancy Weaver. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Sunday, February 9, 2014 with an American Legion Service beginning at 7:30 PM at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St. Hwy. 109 in Delta. A funeral service for Bob will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday also at the funeral home. Pastor Floyd Vincent will be officiating. Private interment with military rites will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta prior to the service. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to Winameg Christian Church, 10925 Co Rd 10-2, Delta, Ohio 43515 or the Delta American Legion Auxiliary, 5939 St. Hwy. 109, Delta, Ohio 43515 in his memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.
