Ricky Doyle Berkenbile

Ricky Doyle Berkenbile, 79, of Fort Gibson, OK was born September 13, 1944, to Glen and Lucille (Williams) Berkenbile in Vinita, OK and peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Fort Gibson, OK with his loving family by his bedside. After receiving his high school diploma from Fort Gibson, he furthered his education at Northeastern State University as well as Oklahoma State University. Rick was also a member of the Oklahoma National Guard. He married his best friend, Judy Day, on June 18, 1965-- spending 59 years making beautiful memories together. He opened C & L RV Center in 1983; a business that afforded him many long-lasting relationships with many friends. Never one to sit still, Rick enjoyed trot lining the Verdigris River, racing horses, dirt track racing and he rode countless miles on his Harleys. He enjoyed biker rallies and was the Road Captain for BACA, which he was member for many years. He was always considered an adventurist traveler. He loved his condo in Costa Rica and hosting card night for friends at the lake house. Spending time with family and friends was his passion. He enjoyed camping and jug lining with his buddies, Ron, George, and Don. One of his favorite summer past times was watching his great-grandsons swim in his pool. For the last few years, Rick was able to continue his love of gardening with the help of Chris Cox. Rick joined the Masonic Lodge #28 in Muskogee in 1978, where he also joined the York Rite and was a lifetime member of the Bedouin Shrine with his ring name being ‘River Rat’. He had a servant’s heart and served on the Royal Order of Jesters Court #99, Commandant in 2014, Donor Relations Chairman, Mounted Patrol Member, Iron Horse Patrol Member, and was proud to be a Bandits Member as well. Rick also served on the Muskogee Fair Board and was a Volunteer Firefighter for the town of Fort Gibson for twenty years. Over the years, Rick was never one to let the grass grow under his feet, as he always had things to do. Rick was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Gibson for many years and later attended Grandview Tabernacle Church in Muskogee. Rick’s legacy of having a good time, devotion, and unconditional love will live on through his family. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Glen W. Berkenbile; his mother, Opal Lucille (Williams) Berkenbile; and his sister, Linda Snipes. Those left to cherish Rick’s memory are his wife, Judy of the home; son, Mike Berkenbile and wife Becky of Fort Gibson, OK; granddaughter, Brooke Garza and husband Ricky of Fort Gibson, OK; grandson, Cole Berkenbile and finance Carsynn Chance of Muskogee, OK; great-grandsons, Maddux Griffith, Jaxon Griffith, and Kyler Garza all of Fort Gibson, OK; extended family; and numerous friends. A viewing will be held 2PM-5PM, Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held 12:00PM, Monday, July 29, 2024 at Grandview Tabernacle Church in Muskogee, OK with Pastor Gabe Beady officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Citizens Cemetery in Fort Gibson with Ron Huckabay, James Brown, BK Smith, Joe Perkins, Charlie Evans, Tommy Anderson, Tony Blalock, Mike Bibee, Kevin Cawvey, Gary Paige and Jack Lloyd serving as casket bearers. The family of Ricky Doyle Berkenbile has entrusted his care, services, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for Rick’s family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Ricky Doyle Berkenbile

September 13, 1944 - July 24, 2024