Ed Ryker, 86, of Darlington passed away Monday morning at Witham Hospital in Lebanon.

Ed's passion was woodworking and he owned AER Woodworking, which took him to many craft shows over the years.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy as a structural mechanic from 1954 to 1958.  After his honorable discharge, he worked with his dad at Ryker Heating, Plumbing and Electrical, then went to R.R. Donnelley for 14 years, before starting his own plumbing business that he had for over 30 years.  In retirement, he worked part time at Baker Supply and for several years at ACE Hardware.  Ed loved sports, playing basketball, baseball and softball.  He started a softball team that he coached for several years.  He also was a Scout Master for several years with the Boy Scouts.

Born June 25, 1936 in Crawfordsville, he was the son of Robert "Bob" Ryker and Frances E. Ryker.  He attended school at Bowers and graduated from Darlington High School in 1954.  He married his high school sweetheart, Carole Royer, on July 5, 1956 in Hawaii.  She survives.

Surviving family includes: wife, Carole Ryker; daughter, Laurie (Mike) Hamm; two sons, Chuck Ryker and David Ryker; eight grandchildren, Bethany (Norm) Stutzman, Mark (Jennifer) Hamm, Trevan (Mandy) Hamm, Hannah (Nick) Ridenour, Stephanie Ryker, Bob Ryker, Megan (Sam) Harshbarger, Jared (Ellie) Ryker; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Harold) Lowe; two brothers, Jim (Michelle) Ryker and Gary (Sally) Ryker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Mark Ryker and brother, Max Ryker.

Private graveside services for the family will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery with military rites and Pastor Mike Hamm officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ed Ryker can be made to the Darlington Public Library, P.O. Box 248, Darlington, IN 47940.  Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.