Donald Everett Rickard

(September 22, 1926 – January 3, 2024)

Ypsilanti, MI

On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, Donald Everett Rickard entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at home with his loving family.

He was born on September 22, 1926 in Monroe, MI, the son of Ira and Geneva (Boyer) Rickard.

Donald grew up on a farm before being drafted into the Army in 1945. He served in Japan during the occupation and returned home to marry his sweetheart, Bernice (Bowman) on October 12, 1946. They spent 75 wonderful years together.

Donald owned a fuel oil business and served his customers loyally for 36 years. He was very active in his church, volunteering at the VA hospital and farming his property. Donald also enjoyed fishing and spending time at the Ypsi Farmers market, selling apples, berries and homemade rugs. Most of all, Don enjoyed talking with anyone he met, telling them about the Lord and of course one of his many stories.

Donald is survived by: his children, Ron (Karen) Rickard, Karen Bellers and Tammy (Kevin) Mutter; grandchildren, Steve (Heidi) Rickard, Tim (Jill) Rickard, Ken (Kim) Rickard, Adam (Sarah) Bellers, Angela Bellers (Chris Albritton), Natalie Bellers, Taylor Mutter, Chase Mutter and Parker Mutter; great-grandchildren, Seth (Kiana) Rickard, Jessie Rickard, Drew Rickard, Evan Rickard, Cameron Rickard (Kyle Courchene), Brendan Rickard, Lucas Bellers and Caitlin Bellers; great-great-grandchildren Maisie Rickard, Jude Rickard, Reid Courchene and Wes Courchene; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bernice, his parents, brother Harold, sisters Eileen and Grace, granddaughter Ashley Mutter, daughter-in-law Sandy Rickard and son-in-law Jim Bellers.

Visitation will be 11am-1pm Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Ypsilanti Assembly of God, 701 Holmes Road, Ypsilanti, MI, with the celebration of life, officiated by Pastor Jesse Yoder, to follow at 1pm. The burial will be 11 am Friday, January 12, 2024 at Pleasant View Cemetery, Petersburg, MI.