Donald David (Opa) Ricks, 76, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Thursday, July 26th, while in the company of his family, at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, La Junta.

Donald was born in Eudora, AR on April 3, 1942, a son of the late Frances (Keagle) and Morris Daniel Ricks.

He graduated from Del Norte High School in Crescent City, CA.

Donald was the husband of Catarina "Cathy"(Aragon) Ricks, they were married on October 5, 1975 in Loveland, CO at the Chapel of Love.

He served in the U.S. Army as a SP4 in the Non-War.

He worked at Frozen Foods in Rocky Ford, Weatherguard in Denver, Colorado Auto Auction in Denver, Coors Plant in Golden and at the Coca Cola plant in Denver.

Donald was a member of the American Legion Post #8 in Rocky Ford and was a past Commander, he was also a Hamm Radio Operator.

Donald is survived by

three daughters, Erika (Eloy Vazquez) Ricks, of San Diego, CA;

Gail (Ted) Engh, of Dacono, CO;

Anita (Tim) Meyers, of Pahrump, NV;

four step daughters, Jacqueline Tyler-Glodsboro, of Denver, CO; Suzanne Tyler, of Denver, CO; Kirstie (Eugene) Joseph, of Denver, CO; Kerry (Matt) Rogers, of Castle Rock. CO;

a step son,Michael (Denise) Tyler, of Commerce City, CO;

a sister, Patricia Dewey, of Pacific, WA.

He is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Toree Byrd, Trenson Byrd, Tyler Byrd, William Goldsboro, III, Cole Rogers, Skylar Rogers, Olivia Joseph, Tenor Joseph, Aviona Ricks, Alyssa Ricks, Austin (Sabrina) DeLong, Mariah DeLong, Tasha Engh, Ashley Torres, Angel Vazquez, Nikolas Vazquez, Tyler Vazquez, Tristin Vazquez; 15 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Venus Ricks; step-daughters: Margarita Tyler, Linda Byrd; sister: Jean Alexander; father-in-law: Joe O. Aragon.

There will be a Family and Friends gathering Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 3:30 PM at the American Legion Post #8; 966 Walnut Av.; Rocky Ford, CO 81067.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.