Donald Addison Ricker, 66, of Chester passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Born February 26, 1959, he was the son of the late Irwin Chester and Hazel Leslie Ricker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Carol Ricker; children, Melissa Ricker-Curran, Matthew Ricker, Mitchell Ricker and wife, Stephanie, Jessica Von Gehr and husband, Erich, Krystal McKenzie; nine grandchildren; two brothers, Stephen Ricker and wife, Carol, Keith Ricker and wife, Susan; two sisters, Carol Bungay and husband, Ron, Amy Lange; beloved cat, Buddy; numerous nieces nephews and other extended family members.

Donald spent 30 years with the Department of Defense, retiring as a project manager with the Defense Commissary Agency. He took great pride in his work and in the path that led him there. One of his proudest accomplishments was earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Systems from the University of Maryland.

He brought that same sense of purpose into his community, volunteering for the Chesterfield/Colonial Christmas Mother program for a decade. He believed deeply in helping families in need and never hesitated to give his time to make someone’s season brighter.

At home, Donald was known for a few great loves, his two Dodge Challengers, his cat Buddy, and his beloved Carol. The family often joked that he adored them in exactly that order. His cars were his pride, Buddy was his shadow, and Carol was his heart.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, December 3, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Christmas Mother online at www.cchchristmasmother.com/give-help/ or by mail, P. O. Box 2500
Chesterfield, VA 23832. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.