Richard Wayne Dinwiddie

Born on October 23, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of five children born to Henry and Mary (McJilton) Dinwiddie. Growing up in Chicago during the Depression and wartime years shaped the values that guided him throughout his life: discipline, service, faith, and dedication to others. He excelled in the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement that reflected the character and leadership that would define his life.

Dick graduated from Tilden Technical High School at 16 and attended Wilson Junior College before joining the United States Air Force in 1948. While stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., he served as a command assistant to Brigadier General Rosey Grubs, transporting visiting dignitaries and learning firsthand about leadership and responsibility. Around that same time, his mother’s involvement in Chicago’s Democratic Party helped secure him a principal appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

At West Point, Dick embraced the academy’s demanding standards and lifelong motto of “Duty, Honor, Country.” He graduated in 1955, beginning a career that would span nearly a quarter century of military service. On graduation day, Dick married Patricia Jane Newcomb. A photograph of the newlyweds standing beneath the crossed sabers of cadets appeared on the front page of the New York Post—a joyful beginning to a marriage that would last 61 years.

Dick chose a career in field artillery and began a series of assignments that took him across the United States and around the world. Early postings included Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and service with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea in 1958. From 1962 to 1965, he returned to West Point as a mathematics instructor, helping to educate the next generation of Army officers.

His career then took him to Germany with the 3rd Armored Division, where he served with the 6th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. By this time, Dick and Pat were raising their growing family—six children: Richard Jr., Catherine, Jayne, Thomas, Ellen, and Charles. Their household was busy and lively, filled with the energy of a large military family.

In 1968, Dick prepared for one of the most challenging assignments of his career. After training with the 101st Airborne Division in Tennessee, he deployed to Vietnam in December of that year. While there, he served on the G-3 staff of the XXIV Corps, where he prepared the corps commander's daily operational summaries—reports that were sent directly to the White House. His work required both precision and calm judgment during a difficult period in American history.

After returning from Vietnam, Dick continued his service at Fort Sill, where he helped write field artillery manuals that would guide future soldiers. His favorite assignment followed: Hawaii. While stationed there, he served as commander of Fort DeRussy on Waikiki Beach and later oversaw supply operations at Schofield Barracks. During his time in Hawaii, Dick completed a Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University.

His final Army assignment brought him to Fort Hood, Texas, where he worked in logistics planning and quartermaster operations. In 1976, after 24 years of dedicated service, Dick retired from the United States Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel and chose to make Central Texas his permanent home. He later spent a decade working for American National Insurance.

Dick’s military career was marked by numerous honors, including the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Dick and Patricia were deeply devoted to their Catholic faith. As an active member of St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, he served as a lector, Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, and volunteer coordinator. In recognition of their long and faithful marriage, Dick and Pat received two papal blessings. In 2005, they were honored with the Lumen Gentium Award, presented to lay Catholics who live out the Church’s mission in their communities. Dick also proudly served as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Service to others extended beyond the church walls. Dick was an active member of the Harker Heights Kiwanis Club, serving as its president in the 1970s and earning the Legion of Honor for 45 years of dedication. He volunteered with the AARP Foundation Tax Assistance program at the Harker Heights Library and delivered Meals on Wheels for more than two decades. Every Christmas season, he delighted children and families by dressing as Santa Claus at schools and church events.

Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia J. Dinwiddie; his son, Detective Charles David Dinwiddie; and his son-in-law, Richard Malicki.

He is survived by his children: Richard Wayne Jr. (Ramona) Dinwiddie; Catherine Dinwiddie Malicki; Jayne (James Milton) Greer; Thomas Newcomb Dinwiddie; Ellen Dinwiddie (Mark Russell) Smith; and Holly Dinwiddie Frausto. He also leaves ten grandchildren: Joshua Greer (Melissa), Annie Greer, Catherine Greer, Chrystal Malicki, Heather Malicki (Kevin Ford), Garreth Regazzi, Alexander Smith, Noah Smith, Colin Dinwiddie, and Chloe Dinwiddie; and two great-grandchildren, Timothy and Zachary Greer.

For Dick, the greatest joy in life was family. He was never happier than when everyone gathered together, the house filled with noise, laughter, stories, and love. His life was long, full, and deeply meaningful—a life lived in service, faith, and love.

Services for LTC (Ret.) Richard Wayne Dinwiddie Sr. will be held on ? at St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights. Burial will follow at ? at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.