Richard D. Stout - Walker Funeral Home

Lt. Col. Richard D. Stout, aged 79, passed away on June 15, 2024, in Spanish Fork, Utah. Born on May 26, 1945, to Donald and Marie Stout, Richard was a strong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and lived his life as an example to all of Christ-like love and devotion.

Richard was eternally sealed to his sweetheart Joni (Joan McFarlane Stout, deceased) on August 8, 1969. After graduating from Weber State College and the Air Force ROTC program, Richard and Joan moved to Arizona to complete Richard’s flight school. Richard completed flight training about the same time that their 1^st child was born. In fact, his crewmates often joked about which would come first – pilot status, or fatherhood. Richard was stationed at Rickenbacker Air Force base near Columbus, Ohio and quickly sent to serve in the Vietnam War where he flew a KC-135 refueling jet. After returning from the war, Richard left active duty, but his love of flying kept him in the Air Force Reserves. During that time in Ohio, their other 5 children were born. Eventually that same love of flying led him to accepting a position as the commander of the reserve unit in Colorado Springs, CO where he found his second true love – the C-130 Hercules. Richard spent 16 years flying in the MAFFS unit in Colorado Springs where he fought wildfires, provided troop support, and participated in many other essential missions. Life then took Richard and his wife to Georgia where Richard ran the simulator and trained the new C-130 crews. After retiring at the age of 65, Richard and his wife moved to Spanish Fork, Utah.

Richard and Joan had 6 children, 21 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren during their 53 years of marriage. During that time, Richard was an amazing father and grandfather who taught his family the value of hard work and the importance of family. Richard is remembered by those who knew him as a great man who was humble, kind, generous, and loving.

Richard earned a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science with a certificate in Instructional System Design from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the rank of Lt. Col. In the Air Force.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, his brother Jeffrey Paul, his grandson Zachary, and his beloved wife, Joan. Richard is survived by his siblings: Roger, Clif, Marlowe, Michele, Alan, and Eugene; and by his children: Shanna, Kasey, Ryan, Ragan, Lindsey, and Laurel; and his grandchildren: Danielle, Billy, Trey, Andrew, Alli, Nathanael, Sami, Hannah, Vicki, Lauren, Noah, Ezra, Tiri, Zoe, Caitlyn, Joshua, Josh, Ben, Adam, Nicole, and Alex; and his great-grandchildren: William, Aelin, Rhys, Clare, and Owen; and his wife, Ruth Stiver.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1158 E 1240 S, Spanish Fork, UT on Saturday, June 22 at 1pm. A visitation will occur at the same location at 11:45am. He will be interred at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

He will forever be missed by his “peoples.”

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10 Condolences for Richard D. Stout

Condolences(10)

Janice Jonguitud says

June 19, 2024 at 1:41 am

My deepest sympathy to the Stout family. Richard was a kind and generous man and will be deeply missed by many.

Shannon Craig says

June 19, 2024 at 7:59 pm

Your Father is an incredible spirit, how merciful the Lord was to help them find peace. I’m sorry you weren’t able to be with them as you hoped. There are no goodbyes for us…!!! What we have once enjoyed deeply, we can never lose!!! I remember my Father’s Prayers/Words/Smiles and they have always followed me!!! I’m sure you made your Father so proud; I’m sorry their light is gone from this life!!! Love as powerful as your Father’s for you, leaves its own mark!!! I am mourning with you. My Heartfelt Condolences for you and your Family!!!

Rex Blaine says

June 20, 2024 at 4:40 am

We are sorry for your loss of your father. Such a great person. I am familiar with Rich from the AFRES in Colorado Springs. A fantastic person and a superb pilot.
We believed in each other as a pilot and I as a crew chief, we would go anywhere that world that was required of us. I can’t count the number of times Rich re-enlisted me and of course Retired me.
Love ya Rich!

Burt Ewing LtCol says

June 20, 2024 at 2:12 pm

Whatever words I find will not be enough to describe this great man. He was the go to Officer when truth, honesty, compassion, was needed. A super pilot who served our Nation with distinction. He never boasted nor bragged about anything; he simply accomplished the task at hand. The World is a better place because of Rich…you are missed…

Uncle Dale Fitzgerald says

June 20, 2024 at 10:25 pm

Our deepest sympathy of Richard’s passing was a great young man appreciated being part of the family. I remember him growing up as a little boy. Sorry I cannot be there.

Dennis Baker says

June 21, 2024 at 11:59 am

I wonder sometimes if Rich really knew how many people he really affected…There will never be another Rich Stout

REPLY
Jim Glenn says
June 24, 2024 at 9:42 pm

I am truly saddened and sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. He is definitely a GREAT LOSS to all of us and a wonderful human being. Please accept this belated condolence, as I literally just learned of his passing today.

With deepest sadness,

Jim Glenn

Ron Krecic says

June 22, 2024 at 3:02 am

It’s a sad time that Rich has passed. I was his navigator on many missions including MAFFS, Desert Shield, and more. He was a great pilot and friend. He could handle any situation easily and calmly, a true professional. The crew could always trust his judgement and skill. An exceptional individual and leader. God Bless

Chief Terry Studstill says

June 24, 2024 at 6:36 pm

No better Officer and Gentlemen than Lt Col Rich Stout. Learned a lot from him during his last five years of service with the 700 AS/94 OG at Dobbins ARB and later as a C-130H Simulator Instructor. My deepest condolences to his Family and his C. Springs Military Family where he spent the bulk of his service to our country. Salute

Col (Ret) Rich Briggs says

July 11, 2024 at 3:59 am

LtCol Rich Stout was a true patriot, an awesome pilot, a fine officer, and great man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Flying with him at Dobbins was always a pleasure due to his happy personality and skilled professionalism. I’ll always remember how he stepped up to serve in combat again one last time, when he thought it was his duty to serve, though he could have remained in a trainer status. He was a great man and he will be remembered and missed.

Richard D. Stout May 26, 1945 - June 15, 2024

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10 Condolences for Richard D. Stout