Gary L. Rickert

Gary L. Rickert

Age 75, of Vandalia, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023, at The Hospice of Dayton. Gary was born August 23, 1947 in Otway, Ohio to the late Walter Rickert & Catherine (Smith) Moore. In addition to his parents, Gary was also preceded in death by four siblings, Norma Eilerman, Dale Rickert, Dennis Rickert & Alberta Parker.

Gary retired in 2012 after 40 years as a brick layer having worked for K-Masonry. He was a member of the Vandalia Masonic Lodge # 742 where he was a Past Master; Reese Council # 9 where he was a Past Illustrious Master; Unity Chapter York Rite; O.E.S. Dayton Victory Chapter where he was a Past Patron. He was also a veteran of the U. S. Army, and he was a member of the German Clubs: Dayton Liederkranz Turner and Eintracht Singing Society.

Gary enjoyed being with his family. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, and riding ATVs. On family camping trips to Southern Ohio, he loved playing the guitar and singing around the campfire. He always had a joke to tell, he enjoyed making people smile and laugh. He loved helping in the kitchen whether it was cooking or chief dishwasher. During the holidays, he would help Annie to make candy and cookies but he really liked taste testing.

Gary was proud to be a Master Mason and a member of Eastern Star. He held many offices in Blue Lodge, Council and Eastern Star. He was always ready to go to a meeting or event. He was always willing to fill an office when needed.

Gary was a brick layer for 40 years, there are many buildings around the Dayton area that he has worked on. He was also a Certified Chimney Sweep. When ever we were out for a drive, he would point to a building or chimney and say I worked on that, then tell a story about it.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of the past 25 years, Eileen K. “Annie” (Watson) Rickert; three children, Toni Sharer & her husband, Bob, Ashley Leet & Andrew Combs & his wife, Kaela; four grandchildren, Scout, Zachery, Grayson & Lillian; brothers-in-law, Danal Watson & his wife, Wendy, Donald Watson; and by many nieces & nephews.

The family will be receiving friends from 4:30 – 6:30 pm on Thursday, February 9, at Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Drive, Vandalia. At 6:30 pm there will be an O.E.S. memorial service, followed by a Masonic Blue Lodge service. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday (2/10) at the funeral home with Pastor Michael Malcosky officiating. Interment will follow at Dayton National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in memory of Gary to either The Hospice of Dayton or 4 Paws for Ability.