Richard Clinton Vilven Sr.

Richard “Dick” Clinton Vilven, Sr. beloved husband, father and grandfather went to the Lord on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Dick was welcomed into the world on July 18, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas by loving parents Clint and Lois Vilven. His father Clint, whom he idolized, served proudly in WWII in the Pacific. He grew up in Austin and upon graduation from high school, Dick followed right in his father’s footsteps and served 3 years in the United States Navy on The USS Rochester (also stationed in Japan).

Soon after, Dick earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas where he met Betty Afton Garrett to whom he was married for 54 years. They spent their first year of marital bliss basking in the California sun underneath the flight path of LAX. Betty soon brought Dick back to his senses, and back to Texas.

Dick was a successful businessman that held business management positions at The Society of Petroleum Engineers, Jackson Walker and Johnson Bromberg. After years of taking the bus downtown every morning at 6 AM and coming home at 7PM, Dick achieved his lifelong dream, he started his own business.

In 1985 Dick acquired 2 older 48’ trailers and rented them out for storage (those two stayed on rent for seven years!). Advantage Trailer went on to become the largest family owned semi-trailer rental company in Texas.

Dick and Betty served their church communities and developed lifelong friendships at Westshore United Methodist in Richardson followed by First United Methodist Church of Plano.

Dick was the loving father of Richard and Garrett and their wives Susan and Sandy. He loved his family as much as he loved life. He taught us all to remain positive when there is seemingly no reason to, to tell our family we love them, and our children how proud of them we are. Loved by all, Dick never met a stranger and had the most infectious smile and laugh.

There is no doubt how much Dick enjoyed his role as Papa to his five grandchildren and how much they loved him. He was kind, patient and his favorite times were spent with family.

Dick will be welcomed to Heaven by the love of his life, Betty as well as his parents Clint and Lois. Dick will be lovingly remembered by his sons Richard (Susan) and Garrett (Sandy) Vilven; grandchildren Blake, Conrad, Garrett, Dean and Fiona Vilven.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to FUMC Plano’s General Endowment Fun at www.fumcplano.org or to The Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org