J. Harold Ricker Sr., 80, died July 8, 2011, at his home in Hutchinson.

He was born Feb. 13, 1931, at the family farm near Alden, Kan., the son of John L. and Anna R. Miller Ricker.

Harold graduated from Alden High School in 1949. He was a farmer and stockman until retiring in 2002, and then he mowed for the Carey Park Golf Course. Harold was very active in his church, Emanuel Lutheran Church, where he was a Stephen Minister and part of the Men's Bible Study and Fellowship Group. He also enjoyed being part of the Men's Spangles Coffee Club and volunteering with many organizations. Harold was an avid outdoor enthusiast; he loved hunting and fishing with family and friends.

On Sept. 8, 1957, he married Nancy J. Elliott in Sterling, Kan. She survives.

Other survivors include: four children, John Ricker and wife Linda of Sterling, Donna Smith and husband Justin of Bennington, Carolyn Money and husband Mike of Salina and Aaron Ricker of Jersey City, New Jersey; brothers, Alvin Ricker of Nashville, Kan., and Franklin Ricker of Chase; sisters, Mildred Domey of Wichita and Mary Ann Schrag of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren, Jason Ricker, Eric Ricker, Jessica Ricker, Tyler Smith, Kalie Kehler, April Smith, Ashley Money and Michael Money; and a soon to be great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Leonard Ricker and a sister, Betty Nestler.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011, at Emanuel Lutheran Church with Pastors Tim Carey and Phil Vickers presiding. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emanuel Mission Endowment Fund, in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal message for Harold's family.