Edward "Ed" Whitcher Ames, of Thackerville, OK, was born September 4, 1953, in Cincinnati, OH, to Malcolm McEwen Ames and Jane Elizabeth (Whitcher) Ames. He passed away Monday morning, March 2, 2026, at his home in Thackerville, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 72.

Ed worked for many years as a salesman and retired from NCH, where he sold industrial chemicals. Beyond his professional career, he had a heartfelt music ministry and would serve churches that had lost their music directors, sharing his love of worship through song. He was a member of the St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Irving, TX and often attended the Hope Fellowship Biker Church in Irving.

Ed loved singing, attending church, watching football—especially cheering for his hometown team, the Cincinnati Bengals—spending time with his dogs, and most of all, caring for his beloved wife, Janice. He and Janice Maria Lowery were united in marriage on March 28, 1990, in Irving.

When asked how he was, Ed would always proclaim that he was "BLESSED."

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Daniel Ames; father-in-law, Lloyd Lowery; mother-in-law, Geneva Rawson Brumley; and a sister-in-law, Danielle Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janice Ames of the home; son, Joseph Rickwa and wife Elizabeth of Thackerville; daughter, Savonia Rickwa and spouse Chris Etgen of Thackerville; grandchildren Crystaline Etgen, Justus Etgen, Lucas Rickwa, Emily Rickwa and her boyfriend Bradley Jenkins, and Ivan Rickwa; brothers Reverend Dr. David Ames and wife Carol of Providence, RI, and John Ames and wife Wendy of Menlo Park, CA; sister Sarah Loar and husband Jack of Nashville, TN; brother-in-law Rickey Lowery of Waskom, TX; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Sandy.

Cremation services are under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Marietta, OK.