Honoring Our Hero, Oscar “Rick” Ricker

A Life of Courage and Adventure

Oscar “Rick” Ricker lived every day with purpose. At 92, he was a proud Korean War veteran in the United States Air Force, a 100 percent disabled veteran, and a cancer survivor whose spirit never wavered. After moving to Arizona, he found joy in the simplest pleasures—searching for hidden treasures at garage sales, tending his yard, and hopping in his truck to go for drives, exploring his new surroundings. He was already planning trips to reunite with old friends and check off bucket-list destinations like Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon. Fishing was his greatest passion, and one of the last things he said was, “I want to go fishing.”

A Journey Cut Short

We were blindsided by complications following what was supposed to be routine surgery. One moment, Dad was mapping out his next road trip; the next, we were facing the unimaginable loss of a man who had given so much to his country and his family. As we work through our grief, the weight of final expenses and a mound of debt threatens to overshadow the celebration of his extraordinary life.

The Financial Battle Ahead

Veterans’ benefits will cover a portion of these costs, but reimbursements won’t arrive for up to two years—and every bill must be paid up front. We’re a family that lives paycheck to paycheck, and we simply cannot shoulder this debt alone. Costs for funeral arrangements, memorial services, travel for family who want to pay their respects, and the small touches that would truly honor Rick’s life are piling up faster than we can manage.

How You Can Help

• Donate any amount to help cover final expenses and outstanding debts.

• Share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks so we can reach our goal.

• Leave a message of remembrance or a favorite memory of Rick—your stories bring us comfort.

With Deepest Gratitude

Thank you for the outpouring of love, prayers, and kind words you’ve already shared. Dad gave selflessly in service to our country and in love to our family—now he needs all of us more than ever. Every donation, every share, every heartfelt note brings us one step closer to giving Oscar “Rick” Ricker the farewell he so richly deserves. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping to honor an American hero.