John Robert Wicker Obituary: Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky Co-Founder Dies at 81

John Robert Wicker, co-founder and president of Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, is remembered for decades of wildlife conservation, mentoring volunteers and helping injured birds.

John Wicker Remembered for His Wildlife Conservation Work

John Robert Wicker, co-founder and president of Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, is being remembered for his lifelong dedication to wildlife care and the rehabilitation of injured birds. He died at the age of 81, according to his published funeral-home obituary.

Based in Louisville, Wicker helped establish Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky alongside his wife, Eileen, during the 1980s. What began as a small volunteer effort grew into an organization dedicated to caring for injured, orphaned and displaced birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls and vultures.

His work became an important part of Kentucky’s wildlife rehabilitation community, combining hands-on care for birds with public education and volunteer involvement.

Building a Lasting Legacy With Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky

A 2021 profile of the organization explains that John and Eileen Wicker began their rehabilitation work on a small scale, initially using their basement, garage and backyard. Their permanent rehabilitation centre began taking shape in 1992, eventually becoming a volunteer-supported facility serving birds of prey across the region.

Wicker’s contribution extended beyond caring for wildlife. The tribute supplied by Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky describes him as a mentor, adviser and friend to volunteers. His encouragement, humour and familiar words of approval, “Good Job Kid,” were remembered as meaningful parts of the working relationships he built.

The organization also credited him with helping save thousands of birds and carrying forward a conservation mission that will continue beyond his lifetime.

John Wicker’s Family, Military Service and Funeral Arrangements

According to his obituary, Wicker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 14, 1945. He was a United States Navy veteran and retired from Ford Motor Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Humphrey Wicker; his wife, Norma Wicker; and his stepson, Jerry Burke. His survivors include his son, John Wicker, and daughter-in-law, Kim Poppe; stepson Jamie Burke and his wife, Sheena; grandchildren; and sisters Karen Grimes and Pam McKinney.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Fern Creek Funeral Home in Louisville. The family requested that, in place of flowers, donations be considered for Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, supporting the organization closely associated with Wicker’s life’s work.

A Legacy That Will Continue Through Wildlife Conservation

John Wicker’s influence is reflected in the rehabilitation centre he helped establish and the volunteers he encouraged. His commitment to injured birds and the people who cared for them helped create a lasting contribution to wildlife conservation in Kentucky.

Heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues and everyone connected with Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky. His dedication will be remembered through the ongoing work of the organization and the lives touched by its mission.

Disclaimer

This tribute draws on John Robert Wicker’s published funeral-home obituary and independent profiles of Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky. His age, military service, employment history, family information and leadership role with the organization are supported by those sources. The organization’s history confirms that John and Eileen Wicker founded the rehabilitation centre together; however, the funeral obituary identifies Norma Wicker as his wife. The supplied tribute’s reference to Eileen should therefore not be interpreted as confirmation that she was his spouse.