Richard "Rich" King Case

Richard “Rich” King Case, 83, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away January 9, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley Ryan House, in Phoenix. He was born March 5, 1942, the only child of Ralph and Marjorie Case, of Cutchogue, New York.

Rich lived a remarkable and inspiring life. He graduated from C.W. Post College (a private university) in Brookville, New York in 1963. He was a part of Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity as the recording scribe as well as ROTC. On May 14, 1964, Rich joined the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. He was stationed at Williams AFB; Lackland AFB; Nakhon Phanom AFB in Thailand (NKP) 1969-1970 and part of Task force Alpha; McConnell AFB, and Elmendorf AFB, where he was honorably discharged as a Captain from the 21st Supply Squadron on May 31, 1976. He received his Master’s of Arts in education from NAU in 1994. He worked as a Chemical Dependence Counselor for many years and First American Title as a title examiner when he retired in 2009.

Rich was a huge sports fan, especially baseball and basketball, and he loved nature, bird watching, most genres of music, and every opportunity to learn and teach.

One of Rich’s greatest qualities was his generous and giving spirit. He always gave to others without expecting anything in return. One of his proudest achievements was his 49+ years of Abstinence with AA. His daily and weekly meetings, including catching up with old and new friends (we call family) were one of his greatest joys.

Rich was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Vicki Gray Case, to whom he was married for almost 60 years, daughter Bobbye Bates (Don), and sons David (Lisa) and Victor; grandchildren Melissa Isbell (James), Kristine Read (Dorian Almaguer), Makayla Gray, Andrew Case, Christopher Case, Kallie Case, Viv Case, Abigail Case, and great grandchild Riley Willis-Black.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marjorie Case, and his daughter Sara Elizabeth Case.

Rich leaves behind a legacy of integrity, spirituality, love, generosity, and family that will continue through those he loved and who loved him.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24th at 10 a.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix. Burial to be held on Monday, January 26th at 1:30 p.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.