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Richard Smith

1931 - 2021

Richard Smith obituary, 1931-2021, Colorado Springs, CO

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Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Richard Smith Obituary

Smith

Richard Smith

November 19, 1931

December 28, 2021



Richard passed away at home surrounded by his family on December 28, 2021. He was born in Colby, Kansas to Harry and Lusina Smith. After high school, Richard attended Kansas State University where he participated in the ROTC program. While at Kansas State, he met his future wife Thelma "Jane" Larson. Richard graduated from Kansas State and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in August of 1955. Later, he graduated from Washington University in Seattle after earning a second bachelor's degree. On December 27, 1955, he married Jane in her hometown of McDonald, Kansas. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on December 27, 2021.

Richard was a pilot and flew various aircraft during his Air Force career. He and Jane lived in several different states in the United States and also in Neu-Isenberg Germany. Richard also completed remote tours of duty in Vietnam, South Korea, and The Dominican Republic. Richard and Jane have three daughters and a son who were all born during Richard's time in the Air Force.

Near the end of his Air Force career, Richard attended Pikes Peak Community College and earned an Associate's Degree in electronics. After retiring from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1975, he went to work for Ampex Corporation in Colorado Springs as an electronics technician before retiring a second time fourteen years later. As a "retirement" activity, Richard almost single-handedly built a beautiful home in Falcon Meadows where his extended family enjoyed many gatherings. Richard and Jane later bought a winter home in Sun City, Arizona where Richard played golf almost daily with his friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Adelbert. He is survived by his wife Jane, brother Gerald (Estelle), daughter Susan Lawton (David), daughter Debra Wilson (Mark), son Mark (Paula), daughter Lori Hayden (Steve), 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Richard's family will hold a private memorial in his honor. No public ceremonies will be held. One of Richard's greatest joys was spending time with children. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) at unicefusa.org

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

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Steve Young

January 5, 2022

The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Smith's service to our country in the Air Force. From the obituary it appears he may have retired from the AF. If so, and you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO

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