Obituary: Donald David Ricker Sr.

**Donald David Ricker Sr. (1939–2025)**

RUIDOSO, N.M. — Donald David Ricker Sr. passed away on October 11, 2025, at his summer residence in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He was born on March 7, 1939, in Westbrook as the eldest of three children to David L. and Marie Perry-Ricker.

Don grew up in Gorham and attended Gorham High School. In 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country until his retirement in 1976. In 1958, he married his childhood sweetheart, Judith A. Wernig. Together, they had three children and lived in various places including Okinawa, Germany, and multiple locations across the United States before retiring back to Gorham.

Following his military service, Don worked in the Pollution Abatement Department of South Portland until his second retirement in 2000. He was deeply involved in the Masonic Fraternity, serving as a past master of Harmony Lodge in Gorham. Don was also an active member of the Shriners, Scottish Rite, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was a devoted member of the Methodist Church throughout his life.

In 2006, Don and Judy moved to Lubbock, Texas, to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren. They cherished their church communities at St. Matthew’s Methodist Church in Lubbock and Community Methodist Church in Ruidoso, where they spent their summers.

Don was predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 64 years, Judy, in 2022, as well as his brother Robert in the same year. He is survived by his son Donald Jr. and daughter-in-law Terri Ricker of Albuquerque, New Mexico; their children Sean and Kayla. He also leaves behind his daughter Kim and son-in-law Dave Schouweiler, along with Kim’s children Jennifer (Sean) Bolton and Tara (Scott) Weatherly of Colorado; and his son Richard and Mei Fang Ricker, with their daughter Kate of Lubbock.

He was a proud great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren: Dominic, Nathan, Marissa, Wren, and Nash, as well as three great-great-grandchildren.

Don is also survived by his sister Linda (Roger) Hillock of Scarborough; sister-in-law Judy Ricker; sisters Virginia, Carol Wernig, and Barbara (Efren) Velez of Maine; and brother-in-law Eddie (Barbara) Lessard of Mississippi.

Don recently enjoyed a military Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., alongside fellow veterans—a memory cherished by his family and friends.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at St. Matthew’s Methodist Church in Lubbock at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Todd Sons. Don and Judy will be laid to rest together at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Lubbock at a later date.

Don had a deep love for his pets, Bootsy and Meadow, and all animals. In his memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to an animal shelter of your choice.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/17/obituarydonald-david-ricker-sr-2/

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