Richard Mars Reitan, USAF (Ret)

Lt. Col. Richard (Rich) Mars Reitan (Ret.) 80, took his last flight on 4 February 2026. He was born in Pasadena, California on 1 January 1946, to John and Margaret Reitan. He received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in 1963 and obtained his commission in June 1967, the same month he married high school sweetheart, Judith (Judie) Stewart.

A fighter pilot for 22 years, he received many awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal as Misty 133, of the illustrious Misty F-100 Fast FACs.

He later joined the private sector while he and his wife, who he dubbed "Rosie the Riveter," built their RV-4. He continued to go "off into the wild blue yonder" well into his 70s.

Rich and Judie found their forever home in Abilene, Texas. They enjoyed their annual fishing trip to the Grand Mesa in Colorado and attending Major League Baseball games every season.

An avid handball player, he became passionate about the sport at the United States Air Force Academy and played up until not long ago. His most memorable moment was a first-place finish in the Veteran Super Singles class at the 2012 Semper Fi Handball Tournament.

Richard is survived by Judith Reitan, wife of nearly 59 years; daughter Andrea Reichartz and husband Marc; grandson Jaxson Smith, wife Alexis and daughter Layla; sister Linda Prendergast; sister-in-law Joleene Reitan; and other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his daughter Katherine Hope Reitan; his father and mother John and Margaret; in-laws Jane and Joseph Stewart; and brother Jack Reitan

No service is scheduled. Richard's wish was to be interred at the United States Air Force Academy Mortuary in Colorado Springs, Colorado.