David Fricker
Medora | Save
David Fricker peacefully passed away at his home on June 15, 2026, into the loving arms of God. Graveside services will be held at Medora Cemetery in Medora, IL on July 18, 2026, at 11am. Reception to follow.
A retired Gunny Sergeant, David was a proud Marine who would ask that, rather than mourn his blessed 87 year life, you remember the men and women who have sacrificed so much so the rest of us can live in a land of freedoms and opportunity, many never experience.
Greeting David in heaven are his 2nd wife Judy (Scanlan) of Alton IL; his mom and dad, Henry and Martha Fricker of Medora; his brothers, Alan, Harold and Bill Fricker; his infant son Mark Fricker from his 1st marriage; and his best little buddies, Dusty, Dutchess, Sweetie, Shaggy and Hunter.
In Willard UT, David is survived by his son Dane Fricker, daughter-in-law Bethany Fricker, granddaughter Rachel Martinez, her husband Armando and great grandson Gideon “Hank” Martinez.
In Fallbrook CA, David is survived by his daughter Susan Lenaway, son-in-law Bill Lenaway, grandson Riley Lenaway & his wife Courtney (Baker-Marshall), grandson Ethan Lenaway, and David’s faithful friend Lady.
In Illinois, David is survived by his sister and best friend Rosie Mayerhofer, brother-in-law Don Mayerhofer, sister-in-law Mert Fricker, nieces and nephews Leanne Muenstermann, Jenny Withrow, Alana Busssman, Marla Palmer, Kim Mann, Todd Fricker, Pam Darr, Patty Matimore, Carl Fricker, and Michael Fricker and their families, and his wife Judy’s children and their families.
Early Life: Born Jan 26, 1939, David grew up in Medora, Illinois (pop. 400), the middle of 5 children. He loved singing in the Baptist church with his sister and playing basketball with his brothers. David graduated from Southwestern High School in 1957 where he was voted Best Physique and most likely to race Kansas City Indoor Stock Cars. He joined the Marines to work on jet engines instead.
David married Nancy Hankins from the neighboring town of Greenfield, both dedicating their lives in service of this country. As a Marine, David traveled the world often deployed away from his young family. His service included San Diego CA, Jacksonville FL, Memphis TN, El Toro CA, Atsugi Japan, Cubi Point Phillipines, Iwakuni Japan, Futenma Okinawa, Cherry Point NC, Beaufort SC, Des Moines IA, Kaneohe Bay HI, and even 2 weeks on the USS Midway. David served twice in Vietnam, at Da Nang Air Base, where he played a vital role in keeping aircraft functional to protect ground troops, earning the Navy Achievement Medal. He also served at NAS Key West during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and in Bahrain as a civilian contractor during Desert Storm.
After retiring from the military, David worked for GE Aerospace and was stationed at NAS Miramar, NAS North Island, and Edwards AFB. At Edwards, David had the opportunity to work with test pilots like Chuck Yaeger on the F16 and F16XL.
Retirement: After retiring from GE, David moved home to Illinois and married Judy (Scanlan) Fricker. He savored the opportunity to live near his siblings and their families, and enjoyed spending time with Judy’s children and grandchildren as well. David was a talented woodworker, sharing his art with everyone and even driving across country multiple times to deliver truckloads to his children in California.
When Judy passed, David moved back to California to be close to his children and grandchildren. David was a huge baseball fan. When he returned home after long military deployments, he said his favorite thing, to feel normal again, was to watch his son Dane play baseball. David never missed watching his team, the St Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed watching college basketball, Gunsmoke, Westerns, Curse of Oak Island, Skinwalker Ranch, and yes, Hallmark’s Christmas in July.
After moving back to California, David was often seen at the sports fields and Fallbrook High School, as the #1 fan of his Grandson’s Riley and Ethan Lenaway. A few years ago, David donated his woodworking equipment to Fallbrook High’s woodworking class, for the next generation to carry on his beloved craft.
David’s favorite family activity was playing cards in his kitchen with Ethan, Riley, Courtney, Bill and Susan. His son Dane and granddaughter Rachel made his dreams come true when they drove all the way from Utah just to make sure he met his first great grandchild Gideon “Hank” Martinez, Easter of 2026.
Anderson Family Funeral Home
