Major USAF (Retired) Richard, (Dick), F. Arens, age 81, was born on a farm outside of Wadena, MN. Major Arens retired from the US Air Force at MacDill AFB in 1979 where he served as the 61st Squadron Executive Officer and as an instructor Pilot in the F-4 Phantom aircraft.
Major Arens is survived by his wife Eloise of 45 years, son Russell and wife Helen, daughter Cynthia Anne Arens Bruce and husband Roger, daughter Saundra Sue Arens Mann and husband Kary, grandchildren Joseph, Richard, Philip, Patricia and Brian and seven great-grandchildren, sister Donna and husband Garry, sister Nancy and husband Larry, and sister-in-law Karen Colsen. Richard was preceded in death by his father Sylvester John Arens, mother E. Dorothy Colsen and brothers Duane Donald Arens and Rodger Allen Colsen.
A Vietnam Veteran, Major Arens flew 443 combat missions as Forward Air Controller (FAC) in the O-1 Birddog aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with 17 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals. His service included flying the B-47 Stratojet, the B-58 Hustler supersonic bomber and many years in various models of the F-4 Phantom. As a result of his service in Vietnam, Major Arens contracted Agent Orange Lymphoma four times in a five-year period. His cancer was treated successfully at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Moffit Cancer Center.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Park College in Kansas City MO., and a Master of Management from Webster College in St. Louis, MO. After retirement, Dick had a material handling business and received two US Patents for equipment designed to be used in the service truck industry.
During retirement, Dick and his wife traveled extensively throughout the US and overseas destinations. He was an active volunteer at the James A. Haley VA Hospital. He was very involved with Honor Flight of West Central Florida, making many trips to Washington, DC escorting WW II veterans to observe their memorial dedicated to their service of our country. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Daedalians, the Retired Officer Association, Military Officer Association, Air Force Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He is an original member of the Ye Mystic AirKrewe formed in 1993, serving as president and instructing civilian pilots to fly in close formation. The AirKrewe flew many missing man formations for ceremonies at Bushnell National Cemetery for Memorial Day and Veterans Day through the years.
Dick will be remembered as a man of distinction with a very big heart and a beautiful smile. He will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to know and love him.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood, located at 3207 W Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. A Graveside service will follow with Military honors at 12:30pm at Florida National Cemetery.
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