Kenneth Reiker

Kenneth Henry Reiker was born in Cape Girardeau March 24, 1944, and went to be with his God Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at his home in Shalimar, Fla. Ken was 63.

He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau and attended Murray State University in Murray, Ky. Ken moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 1969.

Ken was a well-known international businessman, entrepreneur and inventor. He received worldwide recognition for his invention of the Reiker ceiling fan brace. He founded Reiker Enterprises, which he sold in 1999.

He was chief operating officer of Reiker Room Conditioners and was enjoying working with his son, Josh, in the management and promotion of the business. Through perseverance and hard work, Ken was able to take both companies from start-up to multimillion-dollar corporations. Ken was also successful in patenting more than 50 products during his lifetime.

A benevolent and generous person, Ken founded the not-for-profit organization, Children Deserve a Drug Free America. Designed to help children ages 1 to 6 avoid substance abuse, this successful charitable organization has been in existence for 10 years.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Hermina and Clarence Reiker, and siblings, Janet Pettigrew and Bob Reiker.

He is survived by his loving children, Tana Reiker Burns, and Joshua Reiker and his wife Illy; a brother, Ray Reiker; sisters, Sharon VanWeelden and Linda Jacquin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was a very loving and generous father and friend who loved the Lord and was active in his church, First Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach. He loved bass fishing and helping anyone in need. All who knew Ken will sorely miss him.

Service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at First Methodist Church, 103 S.E. First St., Fort Walton Beach.

The family invites all friends to attend a celebration of Ken's life at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club, 180 Ferry Road, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the Reiker family requests donations be made to the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 1237, Niceville, Fla., 32588.

You may share memories and condolences at www.EmeraldCoastFuneralHome.com.