LT COL Richard Anthony Alexander USAF, (Ret.)

1936 - 2020

LT COL Richard Anthony Alexander USAF, (Ret.) obituary, 1936-2020, Colorado Springs, CO

BORN

1936

DIED

2020

Richard Alexander Obituary

Alexander, USAF, (Ret.)
LT COL RICHARD ANTHONY ALEXANDER, USAF, (RET.)
September 20, 1936 August 27, 2020
Richard, almost 84, passed away at his home with his loving wife holding his hand, surrounded by family and friends on August 27, 2020.
He was born a twin, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Anthony and Mary (Gauthreaux) Alexander.
Richard began his aviation career with the Louisiana National Guard in 1955, flying as a gunner on the B-26 for six years. He graduated from Louisiana State University, was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and was selected for pilot training at Webb AFB, Texas. Notably, his class was the first to fly the T-38 Talon, the world's first supersonic trainer. His first flying assignment was the monster C-133 Cargomaster at Dover AFB, the Air Force's first strategic airlifter. His operational flights included delivering cargo all over the world, and included crossing the Bermuda Triangle, where several C-133's were lost. While in Dover, he often transported tanks, helicopters, and large equipment to Viet Nam. In 1968, Richard was assigned to Viet Nam, and flew the UC-123K, spraying Agent Orange. He often remarked that he was truly flying "by the seat of his pants" in that aircraft, and survived twelve hits by enemy fire during this time. Following Viet Nam, Richard returned to Dover AFB and resumed flying the C-133 internationally. He flew multiple aircrafts to include T-37, C-124, C-141,T-29, VC131 and finished flying in the T-39's.
Richard's life changed forever during his assignment flying the T-39 at Rhein Mein AB in Germany. It was there he met Lynda, an Air Force nurse, assigned to the Weisbaden AB hospital. It was love at first sight. Amazingly, Lynda had been assigned to the 21st Casualty Staging Flight at Tan Son Nhut AB in Vietnam, twenty-three miles away from Richard, but they'd never crossed paths. They married in November 1973, thereby ending Richard's not-so-accurate war stories! Richard was funny and witty, and loved to tell stories about his flying days.
Richard and Lynda continued on with many assignments, a few AF-required separations, and continued civilian and military education for both, ultimately retiring while at Tyndall AFB, FL. After retirement, Richard found time for many passions, including fly-fishing, photography and golf. They fulfilled a dream that many wish they could do: they spent five years in a motor home exploring the beautiful scenery of America, absorbing her great history.
He is preceded by his mother and father; twin brother; and nephew.
Survivors include his devoted wife, Lynda; two daughters, Lisa Alexander and Stacy (Dave) Hollen; three grandchildren, Sara and Taylor Hollen and Jordan Alexander; special friends, Jerry and Carolyn Sparkman; and a large circle of loving friends, including Air Force nurses.
Additionally, he was cared for by the devoted staff at Compassus Hospice, including Debbie and Bree, and the family is very thankful for their selfless dedication.
Private Memorial Service, 1:00PM, Thursday, October 1, 2020. The service will be streamed live. The link to watch the Memorial Service is located on Richard's Tribute Wall on The Springs Funeral Services website.
Memorial contributions in Richard's memory may be made to the WWII Aviation Museum in Colorado Springs, https://www.worldwariiaviation.org/support/donate/

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 20, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Alexander

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Lynda, so sorry to hear about Dick passing. Keeping you in our thoughts n prayers.....Robin n Bruce

robin Milberry-watson

Friend

October 2, 2020

Carol Jefferson

September 22, 2020

Wish we could attend the memorial service. We will be out of town for the week. We will miss him and so sorry for your loss.

Carol and Peter Jefferson

Friend

September 22, 2020

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Alexander's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Alexander

Oct

1

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

Richard's Tribute Wall on The Springs Funeral Services website

CO

How to support Richard's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Alexander's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more