Columbus, OH — It is with great sadness that the Ritter family announces the passing of David K. Ritter, 73, on May 18, 2019, in Palmetto, Fla.

He was married to the love of his life, Rhonda Wical Ritter, on Sept. 15, 1978. She survives him and will miss him dearly.

Mr. Ritter was a second generation horseman born in Piqua, Ohio. He was the son of Admiral and Gladys Ritter, brother to Ed and Dewey, who all preceded him in death. He is survived by a brother, Ralph; sons, Brian, Mike Wilder, and David Wilder; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Ritter raced horses for more than 25 years at Ohio racetracks and fair circuits. Some of his most notable horses were Rusty Knight, Lusty Time, Super Crab and Fleet Countess. He trained his stable at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Sidney, Ohio.

He retired from racing in 1996, but stayed involved through his son, Mike Wilder. He loved the racing dearly and watched daily.

He enjoyed spending time in the summer with all of his sons and spent several weeks in Ohio yearly. He and his son Brian spent quality time landscaping and remodeling. He made it a point to watch his son David shoot on Tuesdays at the Sportsman’s Club.

Mr. Ritter was the president of Terra Ceia Manor HOA for nine years. He was dearly loved by all of the residents and the wonderful friends that he had made there.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or mailed to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place. Memphis, TN 38105.