Richard David Deal

Richard David Deal, 77, passed away on Monday December 1, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. 

Richard was born in Hearne, Tx on August 16, 1948, to his parents James and Rosalee Deal. Richard joined the Air Force on March 14,1967 and started basic training in Amarillo, TX. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed at many different places such as Vietnam, Florida, England and many other places. He received many awards such as the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, NCO of the Quarter, NCO of the Year, and Meritorious Service Medal. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed at Dyess AFB, Abilene, TX where he was promoted to Master Sergeant and received another Meritorious Service Medal upon his retirement from the Air Force in April 1987. After his retirement he started work at Lockheed Martin for about 7 years. He worked his way up from stock controller to MD-11 Airliner Project Coordinator. After leaving Lockheed Martin, Richard went on to work for the State of Texas as Mailroom Supervisor at the Roberston Unit in Abilene, Tx. Eventually he went on to security as a correctional officer at the Middleton Unit and retired from there in May 2007.

Richard is survived by his wife, Nola Deal; his son, David Deal and wife Maggie of Houston, TX; his daughter, Jennifer Deal of Abilene, TX; his daughter, Lisa Wade of Abilene, TX; his son, Nolan Wade and wife Johnna of Abilene, TX; his daughter, Sherry and Billy Swiney of Abilene, TX; his son, Billy Wade of Williston, SC; his daughter, Crystal Simmons of Abilene, TX; his 15 grandkids; his 3 great grandkids; his sisters, Nora Homeyer and Rosalee Crowley; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Deal; his brother, Jimmy Deal; and his parents, James and Rosalee Deal.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:30 AM at Elmwood Funeral Home, Abilene, Texas. Interment will be at Texas State Veterans Cemetery of Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene, Texas at 1:00 PM.