CUSHING — Leonard C. Ryckman, 81, passed away quietly on March 26, 2016, at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Oct. 10, 1934.

He married Ramona Crute of Cushing on April 11, 1958, in Long Beach, Calif.

He served five years in the U.S. Navy and retired from Dexter Shoes after 20 years of employment. He attended Pacific Christian College in Long Beach, Calif., for two years.

Leonard's call to Christian ministry, began when he was ordained as a Baptist minister on Dec. 6, 1970, by Lime Avenue Baptist Church in Long Beach, Calif. He then served as assistant pastor of that church. From there he served as a pastor for churches in California, Nebraska and Virginia. His last pastorate was with Harmony Bible Church in Spruce Head.

He is survived by his wife, Ramona of Cushing; his sons, Paul Ryckman of Fredericksburg, Va., and Karl Ryckman of Dexter; his daughter, Beth Rogers and her husband, David, of Cushing; a brother, Melvin Ryckman of Fredericksburg, Va.; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His brother, Gene, passed away in August of 2014.

He will be sadly missed by his family, but they are comforted in knowing he is in Heaven, with no more health issues or pain, just at home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Wednesday, March 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A celebration of Leonard's home-going, with military honors, will be held Thursday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Rockland, 215 Limerock St. in Rockland. The Rev. David Forsythe will officiate.