He graduated with a Master's certificate as an electrician in West Virginia and was also a certified nurse assistant. He formerly worked for Washington Group International under a contract with IBM for several years. Rick was a member of the former On Eagles Wings Church, Carlisle. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, hiking, weight lifting and playing with his dogs. Rick also enjoyed helping and giving to others, tinkering with his truck and around his house.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 19 years, Nancy (Hunter) Eikler, one son, Richard L. "RJ" Eikler, Jr. at home, one daughter, Lisa Eikler of Shrewsbury, WV, one brother, James Eikler of London, WV, three sisters; Brenda Sizemore and Gloria Lowery, both of Cedar Grove, WV and Linda Culp of Elkhart, IN, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Sarah Aires of Gardners and three grandchildren. Rick was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Eikler and one sister, Sharon Fey.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at 1 p.m. in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, with Pastor Ken Hepner officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Holly Springs Cemetery. A viewing will be on Thursday from 12:00 noon until time of the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 1019 Mumma Rd., Lemoyne, PA 17043.