Richard Douglas Escola

May 18, 1928 – November 15, 2023

Dick was born in El Nido, California and grew up the youngest of eight children on their dairy farm in Livingston, California. He played basketball, football, and the trombone at Livingston High School, and drove the school bus his senior year. After earning his Associates Degree from Modesto Junior College, he joined the Air Force and attended pilot training at Connally Field in Waco, Texas. Following F-80 fighter School at Williams AFB, Arizona, he deployed to Okinawa and flew 100 missions over North Korea where he participated in the world’s first all jet dogfight. After the war, he returned to the States, served in the Air Force Reserves and flew the F-86 Sabre. In 1953, he was hired by Trans World Airlines. While in initial training, he met and married Alice Stone from Iowa. They raised their family in the Bay Area and moved to Winton in 1976 where Dick established a pistachio farm prior to retirement. Dick’s career at TWA spanned 35 years culminating as an International B-747 Captain.

When Alice passed in 2011, after 57 years of marriage their family had grown to include three children along with their spouses and seven grandchildren and in 2022 a great grandchild. They had a wonderful life full of family, friends and adventures including trips to Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.in 2012 he married Betty Carpenter and his family expanded to include two more children and three more grandchildren. They had a full life together in Atwater and continued to enjoy traveling to Hawaii, Newfoundland, and also cruising.

He was active in the Merced Pilots Association, Castle Air Museum, Elks Lodge, Quiet Birdman Society, Military Officers Association, Daedalians and the Turlock and Atwater Methodist Churches. Services will be held at the Merced Elks Lodge December 10, 2023 with a reception at 12:30 and service at 2:00 p.m.

Dick lived to be 95 years old, was a very kind man – always grateful for all he had.

Memorial contributions can be made to Castle Air Museum or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Escola family.