Ricky Dale Danker

March 7, 1959 ~ January 8, 2021

© Lehman Funeral Home

Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Ricky Dale Danker was born March 7th, 1959 in Stroud Oklahoma to Dale and Ida Mae (Leafty) Danker. He passed away January 8, 2021 in his home in Wellston at the age of 61.

Ricky grew up in Wellston where he graduated from Wellston High School with the class of 1977. As a child Ricky was known as a tough guy and would often find himself in a scrap with someone who had messed with one of his sisters. As the stories were told by him, he was always the winner. He proudly served in the United States Navy on the USNS Kilauea for 4 years and later he served 15 years in the US Navy Reserves. Ricky always enjoyed being surrounded by his many friends and most importantly his family. He spent many late nights under the lights of a dusty rodeo arena riding horses and roping alongside his father, son, and numerous uncles. Above all, he loved being a grandpa, and his favorite thing to do was to be surrounded by his kids, grandchildren every chance he could get. Fishing was often an activity he enjoyed doing with his grandchildren. The one title he was most proud of was being called "Papa". There is no one on this earth who could ever replace him, he was truly one of a kind. There will not be a day that goes by he will not be missed.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Ida Mae; and an infant brother, Ashley Brian. Survivors include his mother, Brenda K Danker; his best friend and life partner, Georgeanna Stapp of the home; children, Misty Goeller and husband Mike of Chandler, Dustin Danker and wife Poppy of Chandler, Neely Essex and husband Patrick of Luther; (9) grandchildren, Payton, Preslyn, Ashley, Colton, Caden, Bryce, Wyatt, Kenzie, Riley; siblings, Kimila Hinkle and husband Bill of Wellston, Karen Smithson and husband Lynn of Meeker, Kelly Coover and husband James of Arlington, TX; along with other family and friends.

A funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the Missionary Baptist Church in Wellston with Reverend Dennis Osborne officiating and interment following in Rossville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.