ELLSWORTH and LEUCADIA, Calif. – Lt. Col. Richard D. Courtney, U.S. Air Force, retired, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2007. He was born April 25, 1919, the son of William and Emma Courtney. Richard was born in Mattoon, Ill., but lived all over, moving 67 times during his military career before finally retiring in Leucadia, Calif. He was a man with a quick wit and a motivated spirit, who made friends wherever he went. Richard served in the U.S. Air Force for 31 years, flying for his country in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He flew in World War II as a B-24 bomber pilot and later flew B-29’s. His love of flying never ceased and even the sight of a plane flying over head would light up his face. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Elizabeth; daughter, Linda Black and husband, Peter; grandchildren, Mike, Sean, Kathleen, Patricia, Amy, Jeffrey, Kate and Tessa; great-grandchildren, Cole, Logan, Courtney, Taryn, Leah and Will; brother, Joe and wife, Elsie; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Donna; siblings, Parker, Marjeanette, Sam and Paul. Visiting hours will be held 9-10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, Calif., where a funeral service and interment will be held at 10 a.m. A reception will be after at the Courtney residence, 1822 Milbank Road, Leucadia, CA 92024. A memorial service will be held in Ellsworth and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Robert and Mary’s Place, P.O. Box 5288, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Local arrangements are under the care of Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth. Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com Wherever his spirit is, he’s flying free.
LT. COL. RICHARD D. COURTNEY
