HARRINGTON - Dr. Robert L. Ricker passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, from his home. He was born in Waynesboro, Pa. to the late Dr. H. G. and Flora Mae Ricker Sr. Dr. Ricker has been involved with veterinary medicine all his life. He started out as field vet in 1959 for a couple years, before he became the state veterinarian from 1961 to 1966. He left the state to pursue his private practice which he did for over 30 years before he sold his practice in 1997, at which point he became the acting state veterinarian once again for several years. In his spare time, Dr. Ricker enjoyed hunting, fishing, and reading. He liked to play cards, and socialize with his friends and family. His family was his pride and joy, and he loved spending time with his grandkids and taking them for rides on his Kubota. His great sense of humor and corny jokes will forever be missed by his family and close friends. Dr. Ricker was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church of Harrington, Harrington Senior Center, NRA, former member and president of the Harrington Lions Club, past president of the Delaware Vet Licensing Board, and a 32nd Degree Mason. In addition to his parents, Dr. Ricker is preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Cipolletti; brothers, H.G. Ricker Jr., and Carl Ricker. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Ricker; daughters, Cathy (George) Luff, Susan (Frank) Wilson, Ruth (Michael) Griffith, Roberta (Peter) Russo; grandchildren, Chase and his wife Dana, Tyler and his wife Elizabeth, Conor and his fiance Kristy Kuschyk, Dane, Tracey, Sarah and Emile; 5 great grandchildren, Carter, Piper, Colen, Hayden, and Devyn. Services will take place at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 1:30 p.m., with a visitation starting two hours prior. The interment will take place at Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church, 209 Weiner Ave., Harrington, DE 19952; or to the Harrington Senior Center, 102 Fleming Street, Harrington, DE 19952. Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE. Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.