Richard Leroy De King, 72, of Austin, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2010 after a brief, but courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on December 26, 1937 in Canton, South Dakota to Peter De King and Grace Anema De King. Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. He completed two tours of duty in Viet Nam and was decorated with several medals of honor. Richard also retired from the Texas School for the Deaf as the facilities manager. He was a loving and caring husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gertrude De King and Ida Okeson. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 35 years, Sheila De King; son Aaron De King and wife, Michelle; daughter, Janine De King and husband, Andrew Papke; granddaughter, Avery De King; brothers, Peter De King and Wilfred De King; sisters, Leona Twedt, Gilma Brooks, Tina Wojohn, and Carol Brooks; numerous other relatives; and a host of friends.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 29, 2010 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road with Father Masilamani Rajamanickam, Celebrant. Interment with Full Military Honors rendered by the USAF Honor Guard will follow the Mass at 2:15 P.M., Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
