Carl Richard Cramer passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the age of 84 in Austin, TX. He was born on August 15, 1941 in Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Carl and Helen Cramer. He was known as "The Ricker" to those close to him.
Rick was raised in Pennsylvania, he always mentioned the cold winters, but always looked forward to spending his summers at Crystal Lake. He did this into his early teens, before eventually relocating to New Orleans, LA for his High School years. Upon graduating high school, he attended North Texas State University, where he met the love of his life.
After graduating in 1963, he immediately volunteered for the Air Force. He served in the Vietnam War as an officer and reached the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Air Medal in 1966 for meritorious service while participating in aerial flight. He was honorably discharged, after 6 years of service, in 1969.
Before heading to Vietnam, he married Shirley Gayle Pringle in 1964. They have 3 children together. After returning, he started his sales career with Kodak, before moving into high tech sales. His career moved he and Gayle around over the years. Denver, Miami and Atlanta were a few places they called home, before settling long term in Gayle's home state of Texas. His career spanned over 40 years before retiring in 2009.
Rick and Gayle were married for 60 years. Over those years, they stepped foot on all 7 continents, and enjoyed cruising and meeting new people. Rick will mostly be remembered as a caring husband and father who put family first and was always ready with a smile and a laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching Western Movies, playing cards and enjoying a scotch on the rocks.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle Cramer, his three children and their spouses, David and Daisy Cramer, Jeff and Jamie Cramer, Kristin and Joshua Schenck and his 7 grandchildren; Ethan 20, Sophie 20, Connor 17, Hollis 16, Colin 15, Chloe 15, Miller 14.
In lieu of flowers , contributions to veteransareheros.org would be appreciated.
