Richard Charles Walter Scheerer

Major Richard Charles Walter Scheerer, 84, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his family, on July 10, 2025. He was the son of the late Paul Henry, Sr. and Elizabeth Minnie Emma (Jansch) Scheerer. Major Scheerer was born October 1, 1940, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn, N.Y. and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education at Long Island University, Brooklyn, N.Y. He also received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1962 at Lackland AFB, TX.

Richard had a distinguished career in the USAF, starting as a Missile Launch Officer progressing to a Space Operations Officer and later serving as a senior staff officer overseeing space and missile operations. His career took him from Texas to Germany, where he met his wife, Ursel. Then he continued his career in Missouri, North Dakota, and Florida. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Major in 1982 after 20 years of service. He then served an additional 14 years in Civil Service and ended his career at Eglin AFB, FL.

In his retirement, he served his FL community by driving a school bus for students and serving at Niceville, FL First United Methodist Church. In Yelm, WA he volunteered for several years in Food Pantry ministries and actively served at Yelm First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ursel (Kirschner) Scheerer; daughters, Caroline, Cindy (Jeff); grandchildren, Justin (Laura), Rachel (Chase), Abigail (Michael), Jacob, Nicholas (Caitlin); great-grandchild, Jane; three nephews, David (Pam) Scheerer, Andrew (Ann) Scheerer, Daniel Scheerer, three great nephews, and a great niece. He is predeceased by his parents, brother, Paul Scheerer, Jr. and wife, Kathleen.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, 408 2nd St. SE, Yelm, WA 98587.