Richard Lee Smith, age 84, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his home on March 1, 2025. He was born on November 16, 1940, in West Point, Indiana, to Howard Emerson Smith and Laura Alberta Hall. The youngest of five children, Richard grew up alongside his brothers and sisters in the small farming community of West Point. He graduated from Southwestern High School in 1958. On September 3, 1964, Richard married the love of his life, Jerrylynn Ethel Proctor, at Zion United Church of Christ.

Richard proudly served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1965 as a Hospital Corpsman, earning a Navy Good Conduct Medal for his service. Following his time in the Navy, he pursued higher education and graduated from Purdue University in 1972 with an Associate Degree in Nursing.

Richard went on to take a commission in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Flight Nurse and rose to the rank of Captain before retiring in 1991. During his military career, he served in Operation Desert Storm/Shield, and earned numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal with one device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one device, and Southwest Asia Service Medal. As a dedicated member of American Legion Post #460, he valued the camaraderie and support of fellow veterans.

Throughout his career, Richard and his family lived in several places, including Brunswick, Georgia, and Edwards Air Force Base in California, before settling in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, where his daughters, Jaleen Lynn and Lisa Ann, grew up. Later in life, Richard and his beloved wife, Lynn, moved to Castroville, Texas, where they adopted and raised their three young grandchildren.

Richard found pleasure in time spent outdoors, and a quiet calm under the shady oaks of his Castroville, Texas home. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and supporting his grandchildren's 4-H projects, especially those involving heifers and steers, which reminded him of his own childhood. He always kept animals at home, raising dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, guineas, and even ostriches. However, his greatest passion was his horses. Over the years, he cared for and raised many horses. He found peace in tending to them, whether it was early morning feedings or simply standing by the fence and watching them graze. His horses brought him joy, and his presence in the barn or pasture was always a source of comfort to both the animals and those around him.

Richard is survived by his children Jaleen (Kegan) Ford of Casa Grande, Arizona and Lisa Ann Smith of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Amanda (Ramsey) Kail, Andrew (Cheryl) Smith, Brittany (Brett Boyer) Smith, Becca Wheeler, Samantha Klink, Alfred "Jake" Klink IV, Adam Wheeler, and Zayden Ford; great grandchildren Cody Wright, Caleb Smith, Declan Kail, Peytlin Meyer, and Penelope "Poppy" Kail; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Jerrylynn Ethel Proctor Smith, brothers Howard Earl Smith and Hubert Smith, and sisters Frieda Marie Swygman and Helen Dell Hicks Brittain.

Richard will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country, his deep love for his family, and his passion for the simple joys of life. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and devotion that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

A private graveside service will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN 46561