Richard Lee Spitzmesser

Lt. Col. Richard (“Dick”) Lee Spitzmesser (USAF Ret.) went to his final resting place on October 23, 2023, at the age of 81.

Born December 1, 1941 to Virginia (Durham) and Gordon Spitzmesser, in Elwood, Indiana, Dick would eventually leave the family farm to serve his country.

Meeting the love of his life while attending Anderson College, Dick married Phyllis Ann Jones on December 16, 1961. After receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Dick was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. During an illustrious 20-year military career, Dick served all across the globe, including tours in Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation and the Air Force Excellence Award. Dick was proud to serve his country and retired from Kelly AFB, TX in 1985. He completed his Master’s Degree in Education from Troy State University while serving, which led to continued work as a Civil Servant for the US Army and an educator for Saudia Airlines, Judson Alternative School and the Judson Learning Academy.

Though proud to serve his country, Dick’s greatest moments of pride were swearing in his granddaughter Kelsey Miller and his grandson Weston Vekasy as they began their respective commitments in the US Army.

Dick was an avid gun enthusiast throughout his life and spent many hours at his reloading station and frequenting local gun ranges with his kids and later his grandkids. He never shied away from a political conversation and was greatly amused by presidential debates. Dick was a devoted Judson Rocket fan and held season tickets on the 50-yard line for more than 40 years.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Phyllis Ann (Jones) Spitzmesser, son Randy Spitzmesser (sp. Anna), son Rob Spitzmesser (sp. Jeanne) and daughter Racinda Vekasy (sp. David), grandchildren Kelsey Miller, Aaron Spitzmesser, Weston Vekasy, Garrett Spitzmesser and great-grandson Jaylen Miller, sister Marsha Kay Poe (sp. Harold), brother Edwin Richard Spitzmesser (sp. Marcia), brother Jonathan Brent (J.B.) Spitzmesser (sp. Vicki deceased), sister Vicky Lynn Hicks (sp. Arthur), sister Bobbi Bouknight (sp. Michael) and brother Guy Spitzmesser (sp. Connie) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dick is preceded in death by his mother Virginia Durham, stepfather Bill Durham, father Gordon Spitzmesser and stepmother Grace Spitzmesser.

Funeral services will be held at a future date. Dick will be buried with full military honors at Ft. Sam National Cemetery.