Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos US Army, (Ret.)

A retired four-star general, Richard E. Cavazos began his last patrol October 29, 2017 after a lengthy illness. He was 88 years old. He was born in Kingsville, Texas and grew up on the famed King Ranch. He graduated in 1951 from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in the regular army from Texas Tech's ROTC program. In 1952 in Korea, he commanded the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers. In Vietnam, he commanded the 1st Battalion 18th Infantry Division of the 1st Infantry Division, The Big Red One. He commanded at every level of command in the United States Army to include command of the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington and III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas. He twice was awarded the nation's second highest combat decoration, the Distinguished Service Cross, twice awarded the Silver Star, five times awarded the Bronze Star with V Device and wears 29 other combat awards including the Purple Heart. He was also an Airborne Ranger qualified and wore one star on his Combat Infantryman's Badge. He graduated from the Infantry Advance Course at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the Command and General Staff Course, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; the British Staff College, Camberley, England; the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA; and the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA. He was promoted to General (4 stars) in February 1982 and assumed command of the U.S. Army's largest command, the U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia. General Cavazos retired from active service July 1, 1984 and resided in San Antonio, Texas. He is in the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame, the Ft. Leavenworth Hall of Fame, the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Honor (football) as well as a Distinguished Alumni at Texas Tech University. In 1952, he married Caroline Greek who soldiered with him through 27 moves in 33 years, was his strength, his love, and his financial wizard for 65 years. Also surviving him is his daughter, Laura Blevins and husband, Jerry; daughter, Katherine Cavazos; daughter Rebecca Cavazos, MD and husband Robert Lyons, MD; son, Thomas Cavazos and wife Katy; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. "Esteemed comrades: be assured of my affection, regard, and great, great gratitude. Thank you for soldiering, thank you for sustaining this great land. God love you." Services will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at Porter Loring North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas with internment to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Tech Foundation in memory of Gen. Richard E. Cavazos at PO Box 45025, Lubbock, TX 79409, or donate.give2tech.com or 1-866-GIVETTU.