Richard Cromwell

Richard Delno Cromwell
December 17, 1919 - May 9, 2017
Richard Delno Cromwell, 97, of Marsing, passed away, Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at a Boise hospital. Richard was born on December 17, 1919 in Los Angeles, CA to William Henry Harrison Cromwell and Eunice Dunn Cromwell. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1939 and enrolled at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.
After WWII broke out he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and graduated from flight school in January of 1943. Upon graduation, he married Margaret Houghlan. He began his 20 year military career flying B-17 bombers from England. During his 25 combat missions he received 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and on December 24, 1944 his aircraft was shot down over Belgium. All of his crew survived and were credited with 5 German fighters destroyed. He also flew 100 missions during the Berlin airlift in 1948. Subsequent to being grounded in 1949 because of eye issues, he began a military career in law enforcement and security. After retiring from the Air Force he worked several jobs including as a technical inspector for the California Highway Patrol. In 1998 he "retired" to his 5 acre farm in Marsing, Idaho.
Richard was a lifetime NRA member but he was also a lover of animals as evidenced by the variety of animals on his farm, where he felt most comfortable. He was stubborn, yet kind. He was parsimonious, yet generous. He was independent, yet showed concern for others. He was a collector of everything and always looking for a "good deal". He was a good father, grandfather and great-grandfather and his wit, his humor and his unique personality will be missed by many.
May God love him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Marge; his son, Larry and his sister, Daisy.
He is survived by his son, David (Kathy) Cromwell; daughter, Annette Cromwell; grandchildren: Amy (Brandon) Griffin and Emily (Bill) Parsley as well as 5 step-grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren, Owen and Abigail Parsley and 6 additional step-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Homedale (320 N 6th St. W., Homedale, ID 83628) on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM with Military Honors. Final interment will be at the family plot at the Vacaville, California. Services are under the care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Condolences can be given at www.Flahifffuneralchapel.com.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Boise VA Medical Center for their comfort, care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans or a charity of your choice.