Emerson Wesley Ritchie

Ritchie, Emerson Wesley, 92 passed away peacefully on May 9, 2011 in Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Ritchie was born in Port Huron, Michigan on February 20, 1919 and graduated from Berkley High School in Berkley Michigan. He worked as an operator of Earth Moving Equipment until called to Active Duty July 9, 1942 in the United States Air Force during WWII. Emerson graduated as a 2nd Louie Pilot in multi- engine. He arrived in Pusan Korea in June 1951 and flew 55 sorties for a completed tour and acted as a flight instructor until 1958. He transferred to systems command from 1958-1962 then to SAC 1962-1965, to TAC for ten months, then MAC 1966-1970, flew 100 sorties Vietnam War 67-69 and retired from the United States Air Force in 1970. He was married to Alein Tyler for 45 years . He is survived by his daughter, Robin Richie of Delray Beach, FL. Friends will gather from 4-7 PM, Thurs May 12, 2011, at Kraeer Funeral Home, 1353 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Friday, May 13, 2011 at the funeral home followed by entombment with full military honors at the Boca Raton Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to make a donation in memory of Emerson to the Veterans Association of America, P.O Box 309 Audubon Station, New York, NY 10032-7243. Arrangements entrusted to Kraeer Funeral Home, Boca Raton, FL www.kraeerbocaraton.comArrangements under the direction of Babione Funeral Home, Boca Raton, FL.