He was born on June 29, 1958, at Whiteman Air Force Base to Donald and Patricia Brinker. They eventually moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he met his childhood, best-friend, Bob Norton. They were partners in crime, flying model airplanes, racing their Mustangs on Kearney Street, and fishing and water skiing on Table Rock Lake. But fun aside, they always shared many long nights in deep conversation trying to solve the world’s problems.
Upon graduating from Kickapoo High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and was a submariner 13 years. While stationed in Hawaii, he became what most would consider a pretty good sand volleyball player.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he found his home in Louisiana. His professional career came with many titles. He was a naval diver and mechanic, golf pro, umpire, referee, and recently retired as a Right-of-Way Manager from Enable Midstream. While all his careers brought incredible friendships and personal growth, he would tell you the most rewarding role he ever had was being the OG #girldad to Alison and Meredith.
Rick had a range of passions including all things outdoors, whiskey, LSU and Saints football, and most of all golf. He impacted so many lives through teaching and playing his favorite pastime. He especially looked forward to the days he got to meet up with the “Palmetto Boys,” in hopes of taking their money.
In 2010, he met the love of his life, Christi, and they married a year later. Many memories were made in the 10 years they were together, including moving to Oklahoma City for four years and adventures to numerous states across the US. They recently returned home to Louisiana to be closer to friends and family, especially their seven grandchildren.
Rick is preceded in death by his father, Donald Brinker, Sr.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Christi; daughters, Alison (Erik) Peterson and Meredith Elrod; stepsons, Jason (Lindsey) Bloxom and Ryan (Candi) Bloxom; grandchildren, Kaden and Keaton Peterson, Brennon, Grayson, and Austin Bloxom, and Ben and Ava Bloxom; mother, Patricia Brinker; brothers, Donald (Lulu) Brinker Jr. and Robert (fiancé, Teresa) Brinker; sister-in-law, Carol (Steve) Mitchell and brother-in-law, Russell (Debbie) Stroud; numerous nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends.
Due to COVID, a private, family service will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home in Haughton on Sunday, January 31st, at 2:00 PM. This service will be available via livestream on their Facebook page. A celebration of life will be held at a future date for all family and friends.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Thy Nguyen of St. Anthony’s Hospital in OKC and Dr. Maxwell McDonald and staff at WK Cancer Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rick’s memory to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
