Richard Joseph Dick Forsythe , 19212018 (aged 97 years)

Richard J. Forsythe
Name
Richard Joseph /Forsythe/
Given names
Richard Joseph
Surname
Forsythe
Nickname
Dick
Note

Richard J. “Dick” Forsythe left this world peacefully to be with the Lord on August 15, 2018. Dick was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on January 22, 1921 to Gifford A. and Bernice L. Forsythe. Dick was one of five siblings with two brothers and two sisters. He attended Garfield High School graduating in 1939, and after the war on the GI Bill, he attended Rose Hulman College graduating in 1949 with a degree in Engineering.

Dick married Mildred Cruse on January 24, 1942 and was with Mid for 72 years until her passing. Dick and his wife resided in Speedway, Indiana for 62 of those years. Together they raised two children, Cheryl and Mark. Dick retired from Allison’s in 1982 after 33 years of service. While at Allison’s, he served as an engineer in aircraft engines as well as a number of other capacities including Liaison to the FAA and design, development of Boeing high-speed water hovercrafts.

Dick served his country by enlisting in 1942 and becoming a pilot for the medium range B-26 Marauder. He flew 62 combat missions from August 1944 through the end of WWII for the 320th Bomb Group 441st Squadron. Among his awards are the Air Medal with silver and bronze oak leaf cluster, the European – African – Middle Eastern Campaign medal with silver star and Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze oak leaf clusters. Dick and Mid traveled the U.S.A and France attending reunions of the 320th B.G. through the years.

Dick was a lifelong avid golfer who could be counted on to colorfully articulate his pleasure or displeasure with his golf shot much to the delight of those he was playing.

Dick and Mid attended Chapel Rock Christian Church for many years with both showing a strong Christian faith. Along with his faith Dick was a man of intellect and curiosity with a wide range of interests including bird watching, gardening and enjoying the outdoors on his patio.

Through all this Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. His generous heart led him to contribute to many charities and those in need. Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the certainty of his well-deserved homecoming.

Dick is preceded in death by his wife Mildred, daughter Cheryl, he is survived by one son Mark, son-in-law Dan Laser, sister Susie (Jerry) Johnson, 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is Saturday August 18th 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with funeral service at 11 a.m. at Conkle Funeral Home 4925 W 16th St, Speedway, Indiana. Richard will be laid to rest at West Ridge Park Cemetery 9295 W 21st St, Indianapolis Indiana.

Contributions may be made to the donors favorite charity.

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Richard J. Forsythe
Richard J. Forsythe