Duard Mervyn Ritchie was born March 12, 1938, to Wilma N. Reeves-Ritchie and Joe B. Ritchie in Montague County, Texas.  He passed away January 17, 2023, in Wichita Falls, TX.

Duard married Delores Gayle Carter April 5, 1958, in Gayle's hometown of Waurika, Ok. They had three children: Jeff, Glynda, and Keith.

He attended school in Nocona and Wichita Falls.

Duard worked briefly for Levi Straus in Wichita Falls. He soon found his life-long career as a roofing contractor doing business as Duard Ritchie Roofing.  Maybe not a very original name, but effective.  His specialty was installing and repairing cedar shingle roofs.  If a house with a wood roof was built in Wichita Falls in the 1960-1990 time period, there was a good chance he put the roof on it.

After over 50 years of running his roofing company, most people - with the exception of Duard - decided that he did not need to be climbing ladders and walking around on roofs anymore, so he retired.

Duard and Gayle traveled until his health began to decline, but traveling had to be to a destination with mountains.  They had driven over nearly every drivable mountain pass in Colorado, several requiring four-wheel drive and a few that made Gayle more than a little nervous.  The Rockies, Smoky Mountains, and Arkansas were his favorite places to go.

He rode Motorcycle Observed Trials for 40 years. His frequent participation in competitive events throughout Texas and Oklahoma resulted in an entire bookcase of trophies. He was still riding for fun until he was in his mid-70's.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bill and Adrian.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Gayle, their son Jeff Ritchie and wife Cheryl of Wichita Falls, daughter Glynda Pierson and husband Tim of Mountain Home, Texas, and son Keith Ritchie and wife Laura of Houston, Texas.

He is also survived by grandchildren: Heather Pierson and her children Chloe and Colten; Justin Ritchie and wife Amanda and their children Clara and Hazel; Matthew Pierson and wife Jessica and their children Hayden, Abby, and Kamden; Blake Ritchie and wife Ariel; Moriah Williams and husband Troy and their children Lincoln and Hudson; Sarah Ritchie; and Georgia Ritchie.

Duard is also survived by brother Ted Ritchie, numerous In-Laws, nieces, and nephews.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Wichita Falls for their gentle care of Duard for the last week.

No funeral service is planned, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310 or the charity of the donor's choice.