Derrick (Rikki) Levan Dunson was born Sunday, October 17, 1965 in Akron, Ohio .
he died Friday, September 20, 2019. his recorded age was 53.
Derrick "Rikki" Levan Dunson, 53, 1965-2019. Former Lewis Center, Ohio resident "Rikki" Sunday died September 20, 2019 at OSU James Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. He had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in May, 2019.
Rikki was born October 17, 1965 in Akron, Ohio to Kathryn Marlene Dunson. Rikki had a football injury on September 13, 1981 which resulted in a broken neck and him being a quadriplegic. He was confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk and with limited use of his arms and hands.
Rikki was a fighter as his life had never been easy and he eventually left Akron in 1984 and moved to Columbus to go to Dodd Hall. There he learned to be independent and use a manual wheelchair instead of power. He then moved to Creative Living on OSU Campus and got a job because he was determined to work for a living and not simply be "disabled."
Rikki worked for Ashland Chemical for over 25 years, rarely missing work for any reason. On August 16, 1997 he married Nykki Sue Kirkpatrick. They lived in Worthington and then built a house in Lewis Center in 1991 where they lived and raised their family. They have 2 children - Erin Kendall Dunson and Adam Michael Dunson despite Rikki being told by doctors after his accident that he would never have children.
Rikki was a loving husband and father. He attended Vineyard Columbus in Westerville, Ohio where he was married and also a member. He was extremely proud of both of his children and lived a quiet life of hard work. He was quiet, but the strongest and most amazing person - but never thought so and never wanted to talk about himself. He is survived by his loving wife, Nykki and children Erin and Adam. His fight with cancer was brief - ending with 58 days in OSU James Medical Center where he passed away September 20, 2019. Rikki is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven where he has a new body and is completely healed. He is greatly missed, but will be reunited with family and friends in heaven. Hebrews 12:1-2 "And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfect our faith." GOD IS GREATER!