Richard B Holloway

Richard B Holloway, Mr. Holloway (Dick) died March 5, 2012. Dick was born to Bruce and Ruby (Roughley) Holloway in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Dick served as an officer in the US Army in the Korean War, and was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in combat. He was awarded a Master degree in Library Science from The University of Illinois in 1951, and a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from Wichita State University in 1958. He married Patricia Jean Terrill in 1955, who died from complications of diabetes in 1982. Dick married Barbara Ann Hardy in 1987 and together they enjoyed many adventures travelling the world following his retirement. He worked for the Boeing Co. for 33 years, as an engineer, manager, and project developer. While at Boeing he was involved in the development of the B-47, the first swept wing jet that was the prototype of all modern jet transport aircraft, as well as many other groundbreaking and now historical programs including the Supersonic Transport, various “black” projects during the Cold War, airships, cruise missiles, and many others. Dick’s title at retirement in 1990 was Chief of Preliminary Design. He was also an inventor, and holds a patent for a military drone aircraft called the Pave Tiger. In retirement, Dick was instrumental in creation of the Dean’s Circle for Engineering at WSU, and started the Wichita BEST program, a national competition for high school students who build radio controlled robots to stimulate interest in science and engineering. Preceded in death by parents, sisters Ruth Chambers and Reba McIntosh, first wife Pat, and step-daughter, Elisa. Dick is survived by Barbara his wife and constant companion for the past 25 years, son Dr. Kevin (Mary) Holloway, daughter Lisa (Carl) Littlejohn; step-daughter Lynn (Kent) Holloway; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Friends of Wichita Public Library Services Friday March 9 at 10:00 AM, at College Hill United Methodist Church. Arrangements held by Hillside Funeral Home East. Online condolences can be sent to www.hillsidefuneralhomeeast.com