John Ritzel

John Ritzel, 67 of Abilene, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Abilene.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, November 13, 2023, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home.  Graveside services with full military honors will be 11:00am Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

John was born October 28, 1956 to Gerald J. and Lola (Baugus) Ritzel in Fairbanks, Alaska.  He married Yvonne Loudermilk on December 16, 1978 at Carswell AFB, Ft. Worth, TX.  He was a U. S. Air Force veteran and retired on May 31, 1995 after 22 years of service.   John was a Mission Maintenance Nuclear weapons craftsman. After retirement, John Worked at the Dyess Air Force Base Commissary.  He retired from there on January 28, 2023.

John was preceded in death by parents.

He is survived by wife; Yvonne Ritzel, son; John W. Ritzel Jr. (Josie Jones). John Jr. was adopted by John and Yvonne when they lived in Spokane, WA. Granddaughters are Jaide Brenner, Zoey Ritzel and Elise Jones, brothers; Mike Ritzel (Lorellea), William “Bill” Ritzel (Brandi) and numerous in laws, nieces and nephews.

Words from his son; John Ritzel, Jr. say it best.

“We lost the greatest man I’ve ever known last night.  He was the most selfless person I know.  He was the true definition of a provider.  I’ve watched him get up every day and work to make sure we had what we needed.  He retired from the Air Force so my mom would have the medical care she needs.  He always put everyone else’s wellbeing before his.  I can’t tell you how proud I am of him. He loved his family with everything he had and his grandkids were his world.  I could go on forever about everything he’s done for us.  I can’t think you enough old man. I love you to the moon.  You can rest now, it’s my turn to take care of mom. Thank you for everything, Dad.  I’ll make you proud, I promise.”

Pallbearers will be U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.