Mr. Donald Francis Bricker

Donald Francis Bricker 82 of Vera Cruz passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center in Bluffton. Don was born on November 30, 1931 in Fort Wayne to Stephan & Geraldine (Wagner) Bricker. He attended Trinity Catholic Schools and was the owner & operator of Bricker’s Plumbing & Heating for over 40 years and Bricker’s Camelot (Reception Hall) in Vera Cruz for 21 years. Don previously worked at Kelly Chevrolet as a wrecker driver & salesman, Bluffton Heating & Plumbing (Steffen Brothers), Reiff Construction and was a driver for the Bluffton Fire Department. He served during the Korean Conflict from 1949 to 1952 in the United States Air Force and held a top secret clearance. He was very dedicated to the community that he loved. He was a member of the American Legion Post #111, Bluffton Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Wells County Democrat Chairman, Wells County Crime Stoppers and a former member of Bluffton Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Mizpah Shrine. Don also served as the clerk/ treasure of the town of Vera Cruz and was a NIRA Representative appointed by Mayor Everett “Tuck” Faulkner. On March 22, 1975 in Bluffton, Don and Mary Ann (Walker) Bricker were married. She survives in Vera Cruz along with children; DeLeine K. Winchester of Indianapolis, Terri E. Bricker and Sandra D. Williams both of Miami, FL., Tony L. (wife Leah) Bricker of Dallas, TX. and Tamara L. (husband Jack) Bricker-Eisaman of Bluffton along with 8 grandchildren; Jennifer Lynn Spencer, Erin Renae Barrera, Sarah Ann Clark, Logan Jackson Eisaman, Holdon Walker Eisaman, Maxwell Martin-Stearman Eisaman, Seth William Eisaman, Conrad Wells Francis Bricker, along with 6 great-grandchildren. A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 2:30 on Sunday, August 3, 2014 at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home. Pastor Doug McClure and Ted Ellis will officiate. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 8 on Saturday at the funeral home, with a Elks Memorial Service at 8:00 p.m.. Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery in Hartford City. Military honors will be performed by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton. Memorials may be made in Don’s memory to the Wells County Foundation or to 4-H Park Log Cabin Restoration Project, and payable to Wells County 4-H. Friends can send online condolences to the Bricker family at www.thomarich.com.

Mr. Donald Francis Bricker

November 30, 1931 - July 30, 2014