Mostly Cloudy, 51° F
(Dec. 7, 2000)
Funeral services will be conducted today (Tuesday) at 10 a.m. at the Nelson Fine Arts Auditorium on the Northwest College campus for Jack D. Riker, 69, of Powell, who died Thursday, Dec. 7 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Mont., following a short illness.
Mr. Riker was born in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 9, 1931. He was raised in Rawlins where he graduated from high school. After high school, he served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He married his high school sweetheart, Wanda McCullough, on May 9, 1952.
He returned to Rawlins and became a steam locomotive fireman for the Union Pacific Railroad. When steam locomotives were phased out, he attended the University of Wyoming where he earned a master's degree in education. He taught English and coached speech at Powell High School for 26 years. He retired in 1992.
Mr. Riker loved his family and the times he spent with them outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping and living in Wyoming. His hobbies included shooting, motorcycles and studying history. He studied and toured many museums and historical sites. He will be remembered by friends and his students for his wonderful sense of humor and caring nature. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals.
Survivors include his wife Wanda of Powell; two children, Jack Riker and wife Debra of Encampment and Marlynn Riker of Rock Springs; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Danielle Riker of Encampment; one sister, Lorainne Lyles and husband Elton of Omaha, Nebr.; one brother, Robert White and wife Leslie of Evergreen, Colo.; and canine companion Zepper.
