William Dolph " Bill" Rickner

November 17, 1915 – May 17, 2011

Bill passed away May 17, 2011 after a long battle with dementia. He was born November 17, 1915 in Okarche, OK to William B. and Rilla (Townsend) Rickner. He served in the US Army during WWII in the European Theater. He retired from the VA Hospital where he worked as a maintenance supervisor. Bill was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Bethany. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 siblings, Florence Koert, and Jim and John Rickner; and one baby daughter, Patricia. Bill was a devoted and cherished husband, father and grandfather. “Daddy’s passing has created a tremendous void in all of our lives. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.” Bill is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Lavon Rickner, of the home; daughters, Louella R. Walker and husband Tom, and Rilla Maritt and husband Bud; 5 grandchildren, Jeff Walker and wife Tina, Rilla Walker, Tommy D. Walker, Ramae Collins and husband Phil, and Brad Maritt; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Bill Merritt Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at the El Reno Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund at the First Baptist Church of Bethany.