Merritt Judson Rickman

Merritt Judson Rickman, 81, of Candler, died Monday, December 19, 2016, at the CarePartners Solace Center. A native of Poplar Bluff, MO, he was a son of the late Judson Rickman and Kelva Kirk Rickman Kitchen. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Mamie Bane and Alice Rhodes, and brothers, Clyde Rickman and Commodore Rickman. Mr. Rickman was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a machinist with Kearfott, where he was still working at the time of his passing. He loved work, his family, and all outdoor activities. Surviving are his daughter, Terri Rickman; son, Nathan Rickman and wife Leslie; grandson, Chase Rickman; former wife and lifelong friend, Addie Rickman; sisters, Esther Meador and Nora Gerwig; brother, William Lee Rickman and wife Ronda; sister-in-law, Grethel Rickman; other family members and his loyal Kearfott family. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Glory Tabernacle, with Pastor Ronnie Pittman officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806, and/or to the Enka-Candler Lion's Club, 75 Pine Tree Dr., Candler, NC 28715. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.