John W. Rickenbacker

RICKENBACKER John W. Rickenbacker, passed away February 17, 2012 in Lehigh Acres, Florida, at the Lehigh Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness, and numerous visits in and out of hospitals in Ft. Myers, FL. Preceded in death by his parents Fred and Juanita Rickenbacker. Beloved husband of 57 years to Elda (Bunny) Rickenbacker (nee Fitzpatrick). Dear Father of Amy Lynne Blazitz, John William, Jr., Ronald David (Shannon) and Thomas Frederick of Littleton, CO. Loving Grandfather of Lindsay Dawn (Richard) Linak, Chad Michael Blazitz, Wyatt Chase, Jonathan Wade, Chelsea Lynn, Travis David, Hadlea Nicole and Logan Thomas. Great-Grandfather of Kole Thomas, Reid Christopher, and Will Michael Linak. Survived by two sisters, Virginia Lee Daugherty of Cincinnati, OH and Jody (Joe) Campbell of Pembroke Pines FL. Special Friend and former father-in-law of Michael O. Blazitz. John was a proud graduate of Columbus East High School. John and Bunny were High School sweethearts. John worked on the C & O Railroad when he and Bunny were first married. He then owned Ricks Automatic Car Wash on Livingston Ave. until 1981, when circumstances caused them to move to Dublin-Granville Rd. John became owner-operator of Motorways Freight Systems and drove all over the country. John formed the mounted posse for Franklin County. He also worked as an Auxiliary Deputy when he moved to Pickerington where he worked for the Pickerington Police Department and trained several young officers. John and Bunny had become snowbirds in later years, residing in Labelle, FL. in the winter season, and members of the Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church in Labelle, FL for more than 10 years. He was always willing to help his neighbors wherever he resided. He loved his family and sacrificed much for them. He went peacefully with Bunny beside him and Jesus holding his hand. A Memorial Service will be held in his honor at the North Campus of Fairfield Christian Church, 3420 Blacklick Eastern Rd., on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Leonard Tippie officiating. Memorial Donations may be made to the Building Fund of Fairfield Christian Church, 3420 Blacklick Eastern Rd., Baltimore, OH 43105. Arrangements completed by JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME.