Bennie Ricker

Bennie Ricker, 84, passed away at 2:50 pm on Saturday September 14, 2024, at St. Rita’s.

 Bennie was born on September 20, 1939, in Hi Hat, Kentucky, to James Hillard Ricker and Channie (Frazier) Ricker. 

 Bennie graduated from McDowell High School in Kentucky. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 36-1/2 years as a crankshaft repairman. He played guitar and bass guitar, drums and sang in multiple bands playing country music. He enjoyed watching westerns and TV. He was an avid OSU fan. His life revolved around his kids, especially the Mikesell boys.

 He is survived by his children, Cynthia (Cindy) Ricker Gootee, Bridget Ricker, Jeff (Wendy) Ricker, Ben (Nicole) Ricker, Channie (Anthony) Mikesell and Clintin (Meredith) Ricker-Foster, his grandchildren, Jonathan Gootee, Jarahmee Gootee, Cierra Gootee, Landon Keller, Kelsey (Matthew) Ricker, Grandpa’s boys, Jordan (Heather) Mikesell, Payton (Dalanie) Mikesell, Griffen (Jenna) Mikesell, Espn (Teagan) Mikesell, Woodson Mikesell, Jasmine Foster, Jaxon Foster, Jai Foster, Isaiah Foster and Roman Foster; great grandchildren, Finn Ricker, Emery Mikesell, Levi, Aubrie, and Haise and many nieces and nephews. 

 He is preceded in death by children, Anthony Craig Ricker, Infant son Bennie Howard Ricker Jr, and infant daughter Melissa Sue Ricker; siblings, Velmo, Selmer, Viola, Estalene, Betty, James “Bud” Jr, Bill, Sam, Bobby and Roger Ricker.

 The family will receive friends from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, and from 10:00am to 11:00am on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am. Rev. Damian Tibbs, Pastor from the New Life Christian Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veteran’s Food Pantry, 810 W. North St., Lima Ohio 45801.

 Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.