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Richard Bidlack Obituary
Major Richard "Dick" Carol Bidlack, USAF, Retired, of Saint Paris, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 2, 2025. He was born on June 4, 1934, in Oakwood, Ohio, to Ansel and Vivian Bidlack.
Richard joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and earned his pilot's wings in 1959. He served with distinction until his retirement in 1973. His military career included reconnaissance missions during the Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as assignments with the U-2 program and NATO headquarters.
Following his service, Richard became a Fixed Base Operator at the Springfield Airport and remained deeply involved in aviation through the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was a regular performer at the EAA Air Show, flying his cherished aerobatic plane, The Chipmunk.
On April 9, 1999, Richard married Christine (McDonnell) Bidlack in Freeport, Grand Bahamas. Together they shared many adventures, including sailing from Port Clinton, Ohio to The Bahamas aboard their sailboat, the Voodoo Gemini, and traveling across the country in their RV.
Richard was passionate about aviation and contributed significantly to the restoration of the B-17 Champaign Lady. He also enjoyed woodworking, sailing, fishing, golf, walks, time with family, and driving his Jaguar. He enjoyed times with his special groups; The Poker Group and Quiet Birdmen.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Christine Bidlack; children Rick (Shelia) Bidlack, Leslie (Steve) Bidlack, Allison Bidlack, and Heidi (Adam) Fernschild; grandchildren Tayler (Rachel) Fernschild and Makenna Parker; great-grandchildren Silas and Gwen Fernschild; former wife Betty McGhee; siblings Jerry (Joy) Bidlack, Greg (Velma) Bidlack, Kirk (Carole) Bidlack, and Sandra (Bob) Cipiti; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Bidlack and his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Champaign Aviation Museum, 1652 N Main St., Urbana, OH 43078.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CAM Donations at 1652 N Main St., Urbana, OH 43078 or online at www.champaignaviationmuseum.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Richard Bidlack
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bidlack
5 Entries
David Smathers
Yesterday
Dick was a great friend. I met him as a marshal at the Memorial Tournament and we worked there together for 15 years. He was a real aircraft enthusiast and I enjoyed many conversations about his career in n the air force and beyond. I took him flying once from Urbana and we had a blast. He let me work with him building the horizontal stabilizer for the B17. His motto is on the wall in the museum “airplanes are more fun to fly than they are to build. I am really glad our lives crossed paths and I could call him my friend.
Kent and Diana Hoke
Yesterday
Dick was a dear friend and neighbor. We had many interesting conversations and enjoyable walks around the neighborhood. We will miss Dick and value our memories of him. Our love and deepest sympathy to his family.
Eddie Shields
July 10, 2025
I worked with Dick in Springfield and kept up his Chipmonk and flew to osh with him ,, wish i has stayed more in touch, will greatly miss him
Chris Smith
July 8, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. I was sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I hadn't seen Dick since the 1980s. He was a dear friend of my grandfather who he spent much time with in Port Clinton around boats and planes. and I actually flew with Dick once. I used to sit and listen to him and my grandfather tell war stories for hours as a kid. He was quite an amazing person.
Cindy Gagan
July 7, 2025
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will all deeply miss our Uncle Dick. A great man with so many great stories.
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