Joe Riker

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Thomas “Joe” Riker, age 76 of Columbus passed away at 12:02 PM on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO.

Joe was born on June 28, 1939 to the union of Thomas Earl Riker and Reba Jane (Gray) Riker in Columbus, Kansas. Joe joined the US Navy and was enlisted as active duty from 1958-1960, and reserve from 1960-1962. During that time, he earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in the Taiwan Straits.

After returning from the service, Joe began his living as a truck driver. That livelihood became something that he really loved to do, and something that he took great pride in. He drove for Emerson Electric Transportation before retiring in 2009. While working for them, he earned the honor of “One Million Miles Driven Without an Accident”. Most recently, in his retirement years, he began working as a flower delivery driver for Diane Yurk at Country Gardens in Columbus. He thoroughly enjoyed that job, because it fulfilled his passion for driving and interacting with people. He was a Past Commander for the Columbus VFW, and he was also a member of the VFW.

He and a group of friends would travel around to the local nursing homes, including Medicalodge where he was a volunteer, playing guitar and singing for the residents. His passion for music spilled over into a unique bond with his grandson, Eli Johnston. He also enjoyed fishing, which formed a special relationship with all of his grandsons. Along with all of these other things, he had a knack for dancing. He was strong in the faith, and a member of the Church of the Living God, the Remnant Church, mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

He married Carol A. (Vestal) Riker on November 18, 1961 in Oakley, KS. The ceremony was performed by his grandpa, Carl Riker. After being married for 55 years, he’s now in heaven jitterbugging, waiting on his partner to join him.

Additional survivors include 5 children, Deanna and Leroy Christiansen of Columbus, Rhonda and Tom Reid of Carl Junciton, MO, Julia Riker of Joplin, MO, Alycia and David Johnston of Branson, MO, and Joby and Tasha Riker of Columbus; grandchildren, Nic and Linseh Johnson of Oswego, KS, Adrian Woods of Oklahoma City, OK, Eli Johnston of Hartfod, TN, Adam Johnston of Branson, Isaac and Aimee Johnston of Reed Springs, MO, Brian and Jennifer Reid of Columbus, Jeremy Hart of Joplin, MO, Alyssa Cañate of Frisco, TX, Gage Riker, and Charley Riker; a foreign exchange student, Nina, Lina, and Jasmine of Germany and Sweden; great-grandchildren, Andelyn and Lander Johnson of Oswego, Madalyne, Monica, and Cooper Reid of Columbus, and Sawyer Johnston, as well as many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother at birth, Reba Jane (Gray) Riker, his mother, Lois Riker, his father, Thomas Earl Riker, his grandparents, Carl and Mamie Riker who raised him, and one son-in-law, Andrew Jay Johnson.

Mr. Riker has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home for cremation. A memorial visitation will be held at Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus on Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 6-7:00 PM. The family is planning a celebration of life and luncheon on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 1:00 that will be held at the Columbus 4-H Building. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.