Richard Ernest "Dick" Ekerberg, Jr., of Pryor, died May 23, 2024. He was 77. Richard was born on January 24, 1947 to Richard E. Ekerberg, Sr. and Lois Joy Ekerberg He grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1965. At the age of 18, Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served three tours in Viet Nam. One of his fondest memories as an enlisted Marine was serving as a member of the color guard presenting the flag for the Miami Dolphins' home games the year they went 17 and 0. Following his service in Viet Nam, he attended Officers' Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He went on to serve 26 years before retiring with the rank of Major. Among his numerous awards was a Purple Heart given for injury sustained in combat, the Navy Achievement Award for Valor in combat and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal which was awarded for saving a life at the risk of his own.

While stationed at MCRD San Diego, California, he met and married LaVon (nee Butler) in 1986. After spending the majority of his career stationed on the west coast, he retired to Pryor, Oklahoma. Richard loved watching cooking shows and was known for his many adventuresome meals. He loved classic cars, golf and Tom Clancy novels and was a longtime member of Southside Christian Church in Pryor, Oklahoma. Above all, he loved the Lord and his family. Until the day he died, he referred to his wife, LaVon, as his "bride" which frequently caused a raised eyebrow from restaurant waitstaff. He loved watching his grandchildren's activities and his favorite titles were "Grandpa" and "Papa". He will be remembered as a wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., June 6 at Southside Christian Church in Pryor, Oklahoma.

He is survived by his "bride" of 38 years, LaVon; Son R.J. of Poway, CA; Daughters Kristina Baker of Shermans Dale, PA and Nacole Ekerberg (and husband, Cody Pryor) of Pryor, OK; Brother Bob (Debbie) Ekerberg of Guyton, GA; Sister Shelley (Chris) Brown of Ft. White, FL; Half-brother Eddie Wagnon, CO; Step-brother Jon Moratis, FL; Grandsons Jordan Baker of Philadelphia, PA, and Koby Baker of Shermans Dale, PA, Justin and Hunter Pryor of Pryor, OK; Granddaughters Addison, Allison and Aaliyah Pryor of Pryor, OK. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Ekerberg, Sr., his mother, Lois Wagnon, and his sister, Becky Reiser.