Gary Lynn Rickenbacher

On October 21, 2025, My knight in shining armor, my hero, the milk to my jalapeño, the sun to my rain, the sweet to my salty, the chocolate to my popcorn, the calm to my storm, the sun to my cloudy, the strong to my weak, the steady to my waves, the smile in my heart, My One True Love, Gary (aka S.A.M.U.E.L.) -ran into the arms of his beautiful son, Caleb Rickenbacher, and his Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven.

Gary was born on February 23, 1960, in Kenton, Ohio, to Paul and Nancy (Bidwell) Rickenbacher. He grew up in the beautiful farmlands of Kenton, graduating from Kenton High School in 1978. He went on to matriculate at The Ohio State University, where he studied finance and graduated with a degree in accounting.

Growing up, Gary thrived in 4H, baseball, wrestling, and golf. As much as he loved Ohio, he definitely disliked shoveling snow, and so, off he went to the warmer climates of the south, where he started his career with ConocoPhillips in Ponca City, OK, in 1982.

On one of his many transfers, Gary was once again moved to Houston, TX, where he attended a singles class at Houston's First Baptist and met a greeter named Melissa. Clearly, she did a great job because they were married after dating 2 1/2 years, and on March 23, 2026, they would have celebrated 30 beautiful years of marriage.

Gary's love of golf continued throughout his life. It became a source of joy and purpose, especially as he organized Caleb's Legacy of Love Golf Scramble Tournament—the biggest fundraiser of the year, held in memory of his beloved son, which he had just completed. He also loved scuba diving, water skiing, and snow skiing. Snow skiing became a passion for Caleb as well, and they would go on a father-son ski trip each year to spend time just the two of them.

Gary and Melissa were blessed in 2002 with their greatest gift outside of salvation, their Sonshine Caleb, who made their family of two an inseparable family of Three Musketeers. Gary's career enabled them to move to the Middle East, where they lived and traveled the world for many years.

Gary loved people. With his kind, soft-spoken love, he would share his greatest love, his love of Jesus Christ, with anyone he could. His greatest desire in life was for people to KNOW salvation through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. he emulated the love of Jesus in all that he did. Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Gary is survived by his forever bride, Melissa Rickenbacher; his Mother, Nancy Rickenbacher; his Mother-in-law, Peggy Mundt; his brothers, Steven (Andree Corr) Rickenbacher, Kevin (Kelly) Rickenbacher; and his sister in law, Wife of Jeff Rickenbacher, Laura Rickenbacher; Sister-in-law, Kathy (Matt) Norris; Nieces, Ashley (steve) Watson; Jordan (Jack) Draper; Alexis Rickenbacher; Nephews, Jonathan Hull; Ryan (Hunter) Rickenbacher; Jason Rickenbacher; Zach Rickenbacher; Tyler Rickenbacher as well as Numerous, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Caleb Lynn Sydney Rickenbacher; his Dad, Paul Rickenbacher; his brother, Jeff Rickenbacher; his Nephew, Erik Rickenbacher; and his father-in-law, Ralph Mundt.

Gary, you are my Sam AKA Samuel- See All My Undying Eternal Love- I will wait with baited breath until I am reunited with you and Caleb in the arms of Jesus. I love you from here to eternity, forever and always, to never part. You are my heartbeat, and I will continue to beat and make you and Caleb proud until the three musketeers are reunited again. Forever and Always, Your Forever Bride, Melissa, your Sam AKA Samantha

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Caleb's Legacy of Love https://www.calebslegacyoflove.org