Word has been received of the death of longtime former Lawton resident SMSgt (Retired) Rickey Dale Harris. Rickey passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at his home in Iowa Park, Texas.

SMSgt (Retired) Rickey Dale Harris, 62, Lawton, was born December 14, 1955 in Eufaula, Oklahoma to Hancel Lee and Anna Bell (Redding) Harris. Being an Army brat, he moved a lot but always ended up back in Lawton.  Rickey joined the Air Force on February 14, 1978 in Oklahoma City and retired on January 4, 1999 in Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska after 20 years of service. While in the Air Force Rickey traveled all over the world. His specialty in the Air Force was as a Maintenance Scheduling Superintendent, Craftsman, and Jet Engine Mechanic Journeyman. While in the Air Force Rickey earned the following awards, the Air Force Achievement Medal with three devices, Air Force Commendation Medal with one device, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four devices, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with one device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five devices. While serving at Edwards Air Force Base in California Rickey met and married Mary (Butler) Gehring on August 10, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married for 22 years. He loved to fish, hunt and travel. His favorite was to go on cruises with Hawaii being his favorite destination.

Rickey is survived by his beloved wife and best friend Mary and his father, Hancel Harris of Lawton, son David and his children, step daughter, Rachael and her son, sister Carolyn (Edwin) and their children.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Bell Harris.

Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home and no services are scheduled at this time.