Eugene (Gene) Ricker, age 73, of Poplar, MT went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2008 at Billings Deaconess Hospital due to severe head injuries.
Gene was born December 27, 1934 in Poplar to Richard and Rose
Ricker. He grew up and attended school in Poplar. Gene entered the U.S. Army and served from 1954 – 1957 when he was discharged and then returned to Poplar where he lived until his death.
Gene’s hobbies were watching pro sports and attending all sporting events. In his younger days Gene was a good athlete and also one of the best baseball pitchers. He made a name for himself when he struck out 13 in a row in one game. He was to be scouted out for the Chicago White Socks.
Gene lived at the New Life Mission and liked to hang out with his street friends and was really close friends with Fritz Youpee. Gene was also known as the Blue -Eyed Indian.
Gene is survived by two sisters, Lois Ferguson and Mary (Ricker) and husband Frank Red Eagle, both of Poplar; one brother, Donald Ricker of Apache, OK ; one favorite cousin, George Ricker of Poplar; a special nephew, Billy Ferguson of Poplar; and an adopted sister, June Clark of Frazer, MT. Gene never married or had any children but had many nieces and nephews, cousins and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Rose Ricker; grandparents, Ezra and Mary Ricker; aunt, Mattie Boxer; sisters, Joyce and Phyllis Ricker; brothers, Orville and Vigil Ricker; nephew, Richard Ricker; cousin, Buddy Iron Cloud; and niece, Marlyce Ricker.
A Wake will be held Thursday, October 16, 2008 with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Alpha Omega Church (located on A & S Road), Poplar. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2008 at Alpha Omega Church, Poplar with interment at Poplar City Cemetery. Pastor June Lockwood is officiating.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.