Retired 1SG Tommie R. Ricketts Sr., 67, of Harker Heights died April 27, 2010, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Temple following a lengthy illness.

A memorial service is pending. The body was cremated.

Mr. Ricketts was born July 31, 1942, in Wayland, Ky., to Fayette and Elsie Ricketts.

He served 26 years in the U.S. Army and received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge and Vietnam Parachutist Badge.

Mr. Ricketts served as an air defense artilleryman and parachute rigger.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn of Harker Heights; a son, Tommie (Tee) Ricketts Jr. of Harker Heights; a daughter, Valerie Koester, and husband Marc Roseberry of Lampasas; five grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

Donations may be made to any veterans’ organization.

Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home of Harker Heights.