Richard "Rick" Jay Ekola , 63, of Lafayette & formerly of Otterbein, died Tuesday, April 2, 2024. He was born December 30, 1960, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the late Sanfred Ekola & Patricia (Richardson) Messman. He was a 1979 graduate of Benton Central High School. Upon graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Army & served honorably from 1979 until 1988. After the Army he had worked at Purdue University & Wal-Mart. Rick was a member of the American Legion Post #492, VFW Post 1154 & the 40&8 Voiture 364. He enjoyed spending time with family & friends; especially his Granddaughter, Kenslee, hunting, fishing & mushroom hunting.

Rick is survived by his Son, Kenny Ekola, Granddaughter, Kenslee, Brother, Don (Wife, Marion) Ekola , 4 Sisters, Tina (Husband, Garn) Betts, Sandra Ekola, Mia Ekola & Merry Carden, Sister-in-Law, Margo Elliott & numerous extended Family & Friends. He is preceded in death by his Wife, Yong Hui Ekola, Daughter, Sheri L. Ekola, Son, William J. Ekola, Brother, Terry Elliott & Sister, Sheri Ekola.

A Celebration of Rick's Life will be Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 1-5 PM, at the VFW Post 1154, 2660 Duncan Road, Lafayette, IN 47904. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Rick's memory to VFW Post 1154, 2660 Duncan Road, Lafayette, IN 47904. Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein is assisting Rick's family. Visit www.shoemakerfh.com or Shoemaker Funeral Home- Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page to leave any condolences or to share a memory or photo of Rick.