Richard Hackford Obituary

Colonel (Ret) Richard Hilton Hackford Jr. beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather died February 16, 2010, at a local care center of a short illness. Richard was born April 14, 1942, in Colorado City, Texas, to Richard and Mozelle Hackford. Richard grew up on military bases around the world, graduating from Wiesboden High School in Wiesboden, Germany, in 1960. He graduated from the U. S. Air Force Academy in 1964, with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science. He graduated from pilot training, and attended Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. In 1966, he flew as an F-105 pilot with the 469th TFS at Korat AB in Thailand where he flew 112 missions over North Vietnam; 36 as a Wild Weasel pilot. He returned to the U.S. as an instructor pilot, but was soon retired from flying due to injuries sustained in his shoot down over Laos in 1966. He continued to serve the Air Force at the Air Force Missile Development Center, the Air Force Avionics Laboratory, the A-10 SPO, as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, Headquarters AFSC, and Research Development and Acquisition at the Pentagon. He retired as Deputy Chief of Staff for Acquisitions Logistics at Electronic Systems Division, Hansom AFB in MA in 1990 after 26 years of service. Throughout his carrier Richard attended the Air Force Institute of Technology, with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Squadron Officer's School, Air Command and Staff College, Defense Systems Management College, and the Air War College. The Colonel's numerous awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters and the Purple Heart. Preceded in death by; his father, Richard H. Hackford Sr., his sister, Judith M. MacDonald, his beloved wife Rebecca Mae Adams Hackford. He is survived by; his mother, Mozelle, his wife, Marlene, his daughter, Romany, his son, Richard, his daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and his grandson, Jacob. Memorial Service will be held at noon on Friday, February 19, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church; 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO. Richard was devoted to the Lord, his family, and his Country.

Published by The Gazette from Feb. 18 to Feb. 19, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
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Godspeed, Dick. We will all miss you.

Bob Thomas (66A)

February 23, 2010

Winds from the East, and Blue Skies, Colonel!

February 22, 2010

What an impressive career since sitting by Dick in Mr.Floyd's 9th grade History class. My sympathy to all of Dick's family.

Janet Woodruff

February 22, 2010

Dick, I so enjoyed working with you - you were such a great part of the Alumni Association. Rest in Peace, you've earned your Happy Hunting Grounds with your service to our Country and our School.
Lyn Baskett Fort
President: Gen. HH Arnold HS/Wiesbaden HS Alumni Assn.

Lyn Fort

February 22, 2010

My heartfelt condolences on Dick's passing, May God rest his soul. Serge Chernay; Pilot training classmate.

Serge Chernay

February 22, 2010

Rest in peace, dear man--you will be missed. With fond memories of HS, Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott

February 21, 2010

Fly west Dick. I have delightful memories of Dick in UPT 66-A

John Bodmer

February 21, 2010

Dick will be sadly missed by all of his many friends, especially those from the Class of 1960 at General H.H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Cecil Myers

February 21, 2010

Very sorry to hear about Dicks passing Knew him in High School He was always a very plesant person
Bob McGavin

February 21, 2010

Godspeed, Dick.
Fellow classmate, UPT 66-A

Eric Elbel

February 20, 2010

Marlene, we hope the pleasant memories of your life with Dick; the condolences of your world-wide circle of friends; and the strength of your personal faith will comfort and sustain you in this sorrowful time. Dick was a respected classmate and a terrific officer who loved his country and his family without exception. Please let us know if there's anything we can do - - and that's not a hollow offer.

Brett Dula

February 20, 2010

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a classmate who was a positive model for all of us but especially for me. He mixed a smile and humor with his effective performance. I will miss Dick.

Tony Covais

February 19, 2010

Marlene our dear friend and family , our most sincere prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers everyday. If you need anything please give Cindy or Jenny a call. God Bless always Cindy Herndon at Rocky Mtn. Styles Colorado Springs CO

Cindy Herndon

February 19, 2010

Please accept my most sincere sympathy for your loss. Richard's sister Judy was one of my best friends, and he was like an older brother to me. I have many fond memories of the Hackford family and pray that your loving memories of Richard will sustain you in this time of grieving. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Pat Lewis Fulgham

February 18, 2010

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