Lt. Col. Richard Theodore Van Slambrook USAF (Ret.)

Richard T. Van Slambrook, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force(Ret.), was born May 18, 1934, in Pinckney, Michigan, to Alonzo T. Van Slambrook and Edith L. Van Slambrook. His was a remarkable life defined by family, service to country, a lifelong passion for aviation, faith, and adventure. Died at Talbot Hospice House on September 12, 2026. Richard was raised in Pinckney and graduated from Pinckney High School in 1952 as salutatorian. He continued his education at Michigan Technological University, graduating in 1956. Following college, Richard embarked upon a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Air Force, serving from 1956 until his retirement in 1984. He entered pilot training in 1957 and went on to pilot numerous multi-engine aircraft throughout his career. During the Vietnam War, Richard served his country with courage and distinction. His heroism in aerial flight earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, a recognition that reflected the courage, skill, and devotion to duty that characterized his military service. He ultimately attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, completing nearly three decades of honorable service to his country. Retirement from the Air Force did not mean retirement from flying. Richard continued doing what he loved most, beginning a second career as a corporate pilot. For the next 20 years, he flew for multiple corporations and dignitaries, extending a remarkable professional aviation career that spanned nearly five decades. Richard's dedication to service continued long after his military career. He was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, where he became a founding member of the Veterans Affairs Committee. His faith and church family were also an important part of his life. Richard was a devoted member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, where he served two terms as a trustee. He was an active member of the church's men's group and faithfully served as an usher, generously contributing his time and talents to the church community. Retirement also gave Richard more time to pursue the things he loved. A gifted craftsman and lifelong aviator, he became a master at building large-scale model airplanes, combining his love of aviation with the patience, precision, and attention to detail that had served him throughout his flying career. When he wasn't building airplanes, Richard could often be found at the helm of their beloved boat, Van's Lady. As her proud captain, he and Dianne enjoved traveling the Intracoastal Waterway and cruising the Chesapeake Bay, sharing adventures and creating treasured memories together on the water. Above all, Richard's greatest legacy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dianne Hubbard Van Slambook, with whom he shared more than half a century of marriage, companionship, adventure, and memories. He is also survived by their four children, Richard T. Van Slambrook II (Donna), Dale E. Van Slambrook (Darlene), Kent R. Van Slambrook (Julie), and Patricia Van Slambrook Oullette (Steve); 11 beloved grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara Van Slambrook DeLaTorre, Marilyn L. Van Slambrook, and Major Donald E. Van Slambrook, USAF (Ret.) (Debbi), From his beginnings in the small town of Pinckney, Michigan, to the skies he traveled as an Air Force and corporate pilot, and later to the waterways he explored aboard Van's Lady, Richard lived an extraordinary life of purpose and adventure. He was an accomplished aviator, decorated military officer, devoted husband and father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, craftsman, veteran, church member, and friend. His legacy is one of courage, service, faith, family, and a life well lived. His presence will be deeply missed, but the example he set and the memories he created will remain with those who loved him for generations to come. ALWAYS HIGHER A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton, Maryland, with a funeral service beginning immediately at 11:00 AM. Interment with full military honors will follow at New Spring Hill Cemetery in Easton.

Lt. Col. Richard Theodore Van Slambrook USAF (Ret.)

May 18, 1934 - September 12, 2026