In 1958 Richard graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Utah and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed a distinguished career with the military including a tour in Vietnam, 1968-69. Richard initially served as an Air Force meteorologist before completing an MS degree in Systems Management at the Air Force Institute of Technology and later served as a project manager for the F-16, before retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Richard earned a PhD in organizational psychology from Ohio State University and in retirement consulted and taught at a local college.

Richard married his teenage sweetheart, Carol Parker in July 1958. Together they raised a family of five children while accepting assignments with the military overseas and throughout the United States.

Richard’s wife of 50 years, Carol Parker, preceded him in death in 2009, by his son Vincent in 1996 and his brother Robert in 2006. Richard and Carol were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Richard was the beloved father of L. Jill Jacoby, Cory Parker Kennah (Roxanne), Leslie C. Merkle, and Andra Kennah (Mark Sneckenburg); and cherished grandfather to twelve grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 198 W Center Street, Kaysville at 11 am, Friday, May 31, 2024. Interment will be at the Kaysville City Cemetery. Friends may call at Lindquists, 400 N. Main Street, Kaysville on Thursday, May 30 from 6 to 8 pm or Friday, May 31 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.