Bernard "Bernie" Rickman

Bernard “Bernie” Rickman, 87, passed away, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at his home in Pleasant Lake with his wife, Patty, and daughter, Angie, by his side.

He was born November 1, 1938, in Ashland, Kentucky.

Bernie married Patricia (Brown) on October 26, 1991, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she survives in Pleasant Lake.

He worked at Kitchen Quip in Waterloo for six years before owning and operating several local gas stations. He also was an owner of North Wayne Autos and Rickman Motor Sports, retiring in 2018.

He was a member of Hamilton Church of Christ.

Bernie had a lifelong passion for auto racing, with a long history at Steuben County Speedway and Avilla Motor Speedway. Over the years, he raced competitively, owned race cars, and proudly sponsored fellow drivers, remaining deeply involved in the local racing community.

Also surviving are three sons and their spouses; Terry L. and Betty Rickman of Angola, Michael J. and Dianne Rickman of Grand Island, Florida, and Stephen C. and Brenda Rickman of St. Joe; stepdaughter and her husband, Angela M. and Tim Stickler of LaGrange; five grandchildren, Kevin (Michele) Rickman, Valerie Rickman, Bernie Rickman, Michael (Joni) Callow, and Dr. Brandon Callow: six step grandchildren, Paige (Storm) Jimenez, Bailey (Kierston) Kiser, Gunnar Psurny, Mike Rickman, Dennis “Buck” Kohlbeck, and Bill Stetcher; several great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; and five half siblings, Frank (Marilyn) Presley of Hamilton, Jon Thompson of Paris, Tennessee, Jack (Pam) Thompson of Williamsport, Ohio, Ruth Presley of Hamilton and Teresa Thompson of Trenton, Ohio; and a sister-in-law, Sandy Thompson of Pedro, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Martha Presley; six half-brothers, Marvin Rickman, Russell Thompson, James Thompson, Roger Thompson, David Presley and Billy Jo Thompson; a half-sister, Hanna Stewart; sister-in-law, Margaret Rickman; and a brother-in-law, Lindsey Presley.

Visitation also will be from 2 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Hamilton Church of Christ, 4045 E. Bellefontaine Rd., Hamilton.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Hamilton Church of Christ, with visitation from 10 – 11 a.m. prior the service.

Scott Ailes will be officiating.

Burial will take place at Eddy Cemetery in rural Hamilton.

Memorials may be directed to Hamilton Church of Christ or the Steuben County Cancer Association.

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