Ron, a retired Captain with Delta Airlines and decorated A-4 combat pilot with United States Navy, passed on July 10th in his home in Salt Lake City . He was surrounded by his stepson Charles Vanetti and Charlie's wife, Kelley. Ron is survived by younger brother Steve, 7 children and their spouses, Rick and Connie Richard, Kelley and Craig Willey, Lesley and Jeff Gonnason, Ron and Annette Richard, Mike and Shannon Richard, Maury and Kelly Richard and Chanin Richard-Vanchu. Ron also had more than 15 grand kids, 1 great granddaughter and 1 one the way. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Rose Jerome and Ruby Tipling and his brother Raymond Dale Richard.

Ron grew up in Holton, Kansas to parents Raymond and Hulda, where the work ethics he learned while maintaining their family farm proved to be the backbone to his success. His drive and determination earned him a football scholarship to a Jr college. It was there he took advantage of a new program the US Navy where he could enter as an officer after two years of school. Ron pushed himself even further and became a decorated combat pilot and flight instructor setting flight and air craft carrier landing records. After serving his country for ten years, he became a commercial pilot with Western and at his retirement was a Captain with Delta Airlines. He loved to fly and it took great pride in his accomplishments.

Hunting pheasant with his boys was Ron's favorite pastime. While he loved telling off color jokes and tales of his career adventures and family antics, he was also an amazing listener and would chuckle along with anyone who would share their stories. Ron had an amazing singing voice and loved to croon along with his favorite old Country and Western songs all day long. Whether it be flying or spending quality time with family and friends his joy was always apparent by the glow on his face and twinkle in his eyes.

From humble beginnings, his hard work and perseverance earned him a career that afforded him a life that little Kansas farm boy dreamt of. Ron's beautiful voice, horrible jokes and twinkling eyes are the things that will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time Saturday. Burial will be Netawaka Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to Jackson Heights Honor Flight c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.