Donald David Ricker Sr.

RUIDOSO, N.M. – Donald David Ricker Sr. passed away on Oct. 11, 2025, at his summer residence in Ruidoso, N.M. He was the eldest son of three children born on March 7, 1939, to David L. and Marie Perry-Ricker in Westbrook. Don grew up in Gorham, and went to Gorham High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956 and served his country proudly retiring in 1976. He married his childhood sweetheart, Judith A. Wernig in 1958 and three children were born of this union. They traveled and lived in Okinawa, Germany, and many places in the U.S. before retiring back to Gorham. After his military retirement, Don worked at the Pollution Abatement Department of South Portland, retiring again in 2000. He was involved in the Masonic Fraternity, becoming a past master of Harmony Lodge in Gorham. Also involved in Shriners and Scottish Rites. He was a proud member of the VFW. He was a member of the

Methodist Church. In 2006, Don and Judy moved to Lubbock, Texas, to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. They loved their church family at St Matthew’s Methodist Church in Lubbock and Community Methodist Church in Ruidoso, N.M., where they resided during the summer months. He was predeceased by his wife, Judy of almost 64 years in 2022, and his brother Robert in 2022. He is survived by son, Donald Jr., daughter-in-law, Terri Ricker and adult children, Sean and Kayla of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughter Kim and son-in-law Dave Schouweiler, and Kim’s adult children Jennifer (Sean) Bolton and Tara (Scott) Weatherly of Colorado; and son Richard and Mei Fang Ricker and their daughter, Kate of Lubbock. Don had

five great-grandchildren; Dominic, Nathan, Marissa, Wren and Nash, and three great-great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by his sister, Linda (Roger) Hillock of Scarborough, sister-in-law Judy Ricker, Virginia, Carol Wernig, Barbara (Efren) Velez, Maine, and brother-law Eddie (Barbara) Lessard of Mississippi. Don had greatly enjoyed a recent military Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with other veterans. Don’s memorial service with military honors will be at St. Matthew’s in Lubbock at 11 a.m., with Pastor Todd Sons officiating. He and Judy will be laid to rest together at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Lubbock at a later date.

Don loved his pets, (Bootsy and Meadow) and all animals so please consider making a donation to an Animal Shelter of your choice.