MSgt (Ret) Eric “Rick” E.J. Riker, age 65, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 8, 2023. He was born in Arcadia, California on December 8, 1957 to the late James Jefferson Riker and Marilyn Ann Waltman.
Rick enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1977. He retired in 1999 as a Master Sergeant. He was a flight engineer, boom operator, and a member of the Airlift Tanker Association. Rick was always interested in aviation even after retirement. His number one hobby was always motorcycles. He was an avid rider and loved his Harley Davidson. Rick also loved hunting, fishing, working in his shop, and always kept himself busy. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and taking cruises. He was a big fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, and muscle cars.
Eric is preceded in death by his parents; aunt Lila Swanson; and sister April Riker. He leaves behind his wife Debra Riker; children Ashton Riker (Whitney), Jessica Riker, Lane Robinson (Sarah), and Joshua Robinson (Robert); grandchildren George Lachosky, Elaina Robinson, Olivia Robinson, Cora Robinson, Adelia Robinson, and David Robinson; siblings Randy Riker, Lee Stocker, and Wendy Treleven (Mark); and many more friends and extended family.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 10:00am with a funeral service starting at 11:00am in the Chapel of A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Interment will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
20 Comments
Prayers for the family
So sorry to hear of Ricks passing. Our thoughts go out to our friend Debbie
Many prayers Debbie for the loss of your husband and best friend. May your memories fill your heart and lift your spirits.
We grieve with you and before you Debbie. If you need us or just want to talk we’re right down the road, and we’re here for you.
An unmeasurable loss for all who knew him. We love you both and share in your sorrow.
Offering prayers for the repose of the soul of our neighbor, Rick. May he rest in peace, and cherished memories remain.
He was a poster Airman for the United States Air Force. May he rest in Peace!
Debbie,
I can’t make tie service, but the memories are good ones. Take care, Doug
Sorry for the loss of Rick. Prayers and deepest sympathy going up for you all
Prayers for you Debbie and your family as you lay your husband and best friend to rest. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
A great friend and a great airman. He will be sorely missed
So sorry Debra Rick was a fighter and a good man. God bless you and prayers are sent for me and us here at Dave Kirk
Sending prayers to family and knowing he is in God’s hands
Rest in peace Uncle Rick. Sending prayers and love to you Debbie and family from Iraq.
Godspeed dear friend. You will be missed. Love and blessings to Debbie and family.
Rest In Peace, Rick.
I pray for the family with comfort, peace and grace, I’m sure my husband put Rick into the career field
and was proud of his many accomplishments..
I will certainly miss Rick at the ATA Board Meetings and the ATA Convention. We always shared many good stories from our days as Loadmasters and Engineers. Debbie and Rick were a team that always supported the ATA. Rick will be missed. The cabins is secure for the final flight. Rest in peace my friend knowing you have completed your mission and done it well. Blessing to Debbie and family.
Here’s a toast for those who love the vastness of the sky … you’ll be missed, Rick. Praying the good Lord has you slipping the surly bonds of earth on laughter-silvered wings to your heart’s content.
Since 1982 he was a good friend, and fellow boomer. He was here for me when Buck passed away, and he always called and messaged me to see how I was doing after that. It was a lovely memorial today for Rick. So glad I was able to attend and say goodbye. I also feel blessed that I had the opportunity to visit him a few weeks ago. I looked right into his eyes and told him that he WILL see me again. He smiled, as he knew what I meant. So until then Rick, be immersed in all that joy and love and put in a good word for me.
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