Jerry Wayne Rickard

Jerry Wayne Rickard,63, of Terre Haute,IN went to meet his Lord, at 7:30AM in his home, in his bed, next to his wife, very peacefully, on 9-27-2011.He was born on October 26,1947 in Terre Haute,IN to Ray and Ruth Rickard. His early years were spent growing up in Cory,In. He married his best friend Debi Rickard on February 19th, 2011. He fought a very courageous fight against lung cancer for many months. Jerry was a veteran in the U.S. Marine Corp during 1966 – 1968 in Vietnam.He was a high school graduate of Gertsmeyer High school class of 1966 where he learned his craft of printing and continued it after serving his country in Vietnam. Jerry worked at several print shops and was with Ivy Hill for 30 years as a first pressman. Jerry took much pride in his work and was a true craftsman. He was a member of Izaak Walton League. He lived to fish. Jerry could often be found riding his Harley in the summer when the fish weren’t bitin’. Jerry was also a member of The American Legion Post #104 ,"Once a Marine Always a Marine" and Jerry was proud of his service to his country. He was a good listener, had a quick wit, easy to talk with and often described as “one of the nicest guys I know”. He had many friends from all ages and walks of life and will be sadly missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray Rickard and Ruth Westfall Rickard.He is survived by his wife,best friend,caregiver,and fishin’ buddy,Deborah"Debi"Goda-Rickard, son Jerry Rickard Jr., of Louisville, KY,,brother Phillip Rickard of Indianapolis,IN.Close friend and co-worker Carl Wilkinson of Brazil,IN, stepson John McCalister,step-daughter Megan Hollingsworth of Terre Haute,IN., his cockatiel "Buster Birdie",many cousins, and several nieces and nephews. Services will be Saturday at 11AM at Mattox-Wood Funeral Home and Crematory with visitation Friday from 4-8 PM at the funeral home with burial to follow at Highland Lawn Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #104.