Richard Rex Husted

In loving memory of Richard Rex Husted

Richard (Dick) Husted, age 82, passed away on November 2, 2024, at his home in Lakewood, CO. Born in Orient, Iowa, he was the eldest of five siblings. His life was marked by faith, resilience and dedication to family.

Dick was born on February 16, 1942, to Roy Rex Husted and Miriam Ruth (Jackson) Husted. In 1945, he would lose his father in World War II, at the tender age of 3. Dick's mother married (Roy) Rex's older brother, Robert Forest Husted, just a few years later, a relationship that fortified the family’s bonds and values.

Dick graduated from Ferguson High School in Ferguson, Missouri, in 1960. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Colorado State University in May of 1964. On June 27, 1964, he married the love of his life, Jean (Dawson) Husted. Together they had four children and were married for over 60 years. In 1968, Dick earned his doctoral degree from Iowa State University. Dick was then hired as an engineer for the Martin Marietta Corporation (later known as Lockheed Martin) in Denver, Colorado, where he worked until 1975, when he took a leave from Martin Marietta, to pursue a job in the farming industry in Iowa, on a family farm. Dick worked on this family farm in Minburn, Iowa, raising pigs, and growing corn & beans, until 1979, when he and his family would return to Colorado where he resumed work for Lockheed Martin as a senior engineer. Not many men can claim to have led a life filled with success as both a family farmer, and a rocket scientist, but this is exactly the type of man Dick was, the grit & determination of a farmer, the heart of a family man, and the brains of a leading engineer in the age of space exploration and rocket innovation. 

Dick also enjoyed traveling, most especially long drives through the mountains, or trips to see family and friends in many states throughout the U.S. He always enjoyed the opportunity to assist one of his children, or grandchildren, with any car related project and several home improvement projects as well. 

Dick was a beloved, son, husband, father, & friend. He filled his extended families' lives with wisdom, warmth, and quiet strength. Known for his integrity and kindness, he provided a steadfast peace, always ready with a word of encouragement or a helping hand. 

He was preceded in death by one son, David Dawson Husted. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Jean of Lakewood; son, Bob (Leslie) Husted of Loveland, Co; son, Jim (Jenn) Husted of Littleton, Co; daughter-in-law, Anne Husted (David's wife) of Littleton, Co; and daughter, Beth (Scott) McGinn of Sedgwick, Ks.; 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. 

He will be missed dearly by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of faith, family and resilience lives on in each of them.

A memorial service will be held on November 29th at 2pm at

Columbine United Church

6375 S Platte Canyon Rd

Littleton, CO 80123