Donald (Don) Ray Riker Jr. of Litchfield, PA passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at his home following an extended illness. Born on September 9, 1926 in Scranton, PA, he was the son of the late Donald R. Riker and Kathryn Swingle Riker. Raised in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Clarks Summit High School where he held the office of senior class president. He enlisted and served in the Army towards the end of WWII training as a clerk and drill instructor at Camp Blanding, Florida. Immediately after training, he was sent to Kanagawa, Japan, with the 90th military armament team as a medic. Upon completion of his military service, he attended Keystone Jr. College, transferred to Penn State University and graduated with a Bachelors in education for Industrial Arts and Social Studies. After receiving an NBEA scholarship, he earned his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of Wyoming in 1966. Don began his teaching and guidance counseling career at Athens High School in 1951. After retiring from education in 1982, he began his second career in building construction. Don was an active member in the professional educational organizations of AAEA, PSEA and NEA holding various offices. Over the years he participated in the Valley Chorus, VFW, Susquehanna Valley Audobon Society, and Carantouan Greenways. Don was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Athens and Sheshequin. Mr. Riker was a firm believer in supporting his community. He served on the Athens Borough Council during the 1972 flood. Always civic minded, Don donated railroad documents of his grandfather’s to the Steamtown National Historic Site. Locally, he donated his Native American pottery artifacts to S.R.A.C. Don enjoyed all kinds of music, sports, reading, gardening, birding, and hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and really liked a good party, a cold beer, and a bad joke! He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Rowland J. Riker, and infant son, Gary David Riker and many close friends. He is survived by Linda his wife and best friend of 32 years; his daughter Beth Ann Howell and her husband Dale of Burke, VA; and his son Donald John Riker of Johnstown, PA. A Memorial Service and celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 3pm at the Sheshequin Universalist Church, Sheshequin Road, Athens. Friends and family may from 2pm-3pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name can be made to the American Chestnut Foundation, Guthrie Hospice, or to any of the above mentioned organizations that Don supported. (For those wishing to sign the E-guestbook and send condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.)