Dick Gribling

On 13 September 2014, Colonel Dick Gribling passed from his Austin, Texas nursing home into heaven where he was greeted by his beloved wife, Kathleen. He was 90 years old. He is fondly remembered as a kind and loving father to his son Richard and daughter Sherry, as well as, a devoted husband of 22 years to the love of his life, Kathleen. His many friends and acquaintances remember his positive attitude, kindness and generosity, giving both his time and resources to his grandchildren, as well as to the causes of cancer research, homeless families, and many veterans' organizations.

Dick was extremely proud of his service to his country serving 36 years as a combat pilot in both the US Army Air Corps, in Europe, during World War II and later in the US Air Force serving both stateside and as a base commander in the Utapao, Thailand during the Vietnam War. As a 20 year old C-47 pilot, Dick flew 101st Airborne Division paratroopers in support of the D-Day Normandy invasion on June 6th, 1944. Later he participated in Operation Market-Garden; the largest allied airborne drop in World War II.

Prior to re-entering the US Air Force, Dick completed his economics degree at UCLA, thanks to the GI Bill. He married Kathleen who was from Burbank California, and began an active 30 year career in the US Air Force. Dick spent most of his Air Force career moving around strategic air force bomber bases, culminating with combat service during the Vietnam War. He retired from the active Air Force in 1979 as the most senior colonel in the force. After leaving the Air Force, Dick enjoyed a new challenge for 20 years as an operations officer for an international manufacturing company.

Dick lived his last 4 years in Austin, Texas with his devoted daughter, Sherry and her husband, Joe. He was very happy in Texas, enjoying his daily walks and visits to Starbucks and the local library. But after a difficult 9 months of this year, Dick's earthly life came to an end. The end was peaceful and dignified, just as he had lived his life. He reportedly looked toward the doorway of his room, smiled and it is believed that at that precise moment, Dick crossed over to be greeted by Kathleen who embraced him, took his hand, and together walked down a green mountain path into eternity. He is missed but not forgotten.

Dick is survived by his son, Dr. Richard Gribling & wife Rebekah, of Suffolk, Virginia; daughter, Sherry Gribling Gardner & husband, Mr. Joe Gardner of Lakeway, Texas; granddaughters, Rachel Moreland and husband James, Mara Holden and husband David James, Kelly Wilson and husband David, Elizabeth Leatherwood and husband Eric; great-grandchildren Eli, Thomas, Isabella, Miles, Hugh, and Sarah.