Richard Otis Salmon

He was born in Riverdale, Maryland, on October 10, 1945, to Raymond and Helen (Smith) Salmon. Richard attended Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1963. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving with the 809th Security Police Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Holding a Secret security clearance, he was responsible for verifying cryptographic authentication codes to secure and grant maintenance teams access to strategic missile silos across a three-state region. It was during his military service that he met his future wife, Joyce Louise Birdsell; the couple married in 1966.

Following his honorable discharge in 1967, Richard and Joyce returned to Maryland, where they welcomed their son, Raymond in 1969. Richard went on to study computer programming at the Lear Siegler Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, launching a dedicated career in technology. He served as a Senior Computer Analyst at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, where he was recognized for his contributions and support on historic operations, including the final Apollo 17 lunar mission, Space Shuttle Discovery Mission STS-39, and the Gamma Ray Observatory deployment.

In 1997, Richard transitioned to the Social Security Administration in Baltimore as a computer help desk analyst. The family later relocated to Raytown, Missouri, in 1999, where Richard continued his IT career with the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas until his retirement in March 2011. Following the passing of his beloved wife Joyce in August 2023, Richard moved to Riverside to be closer to his family.

In addition to his wife, Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Helen Salmon; his brothers, Raymond Jr., Wade, and Robert Salmon; and his sister, Helen Kramer.

He is survived by his devoted son, Raymond; daughter-in-law, Erin; and his cherished granddaughter, Serena.

A graveside service and interment will be conducted by Evangelist Doug Twaddell at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Summit Cemetery near Jamestown, Kansas. Newcomers White Chapel funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials contributions may be given in his name to Newcomers White Chapel funeral home.