Richard L. Willems, 67, of Richland, passed away May 2, 2010 at home with his family by his side. He was born June 19, 1942 in Los Angeles, California to Ervin F. and Edna M. Willems. As a youth he earned the Eagle Scout and God and Country Award.

Dick graduated from Madras Union High School, where he was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, track and baseball. He continued on to graduate from Eastern Oregon College with a BS in Mathematics and was once again a four-year letterman in basketball, and went on to achieve a Masters in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1975 as a Combat Pilot and Instructor Pilot, with a permanent rank of Captain and a temporary rank of Major. Dick saw four tours in Vietnam and received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal with 6 Battle Stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

From 1975 to 2003 Dick worked for Lamb Weston as Director of Human Resources.

He was a man of God, devoted to the Walk with Christ community, and Point Man Veterans Ministry. He enjoyed fly fishing, fly tying, aquatic entomology, camping and cooking.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, whom he married in 1982; daughter, Marette Willems and son, Eric Willems with his first wife, Carol; daughter, Sharon Baker; grandchildren Melissa Baker, Jeff Baker and Summer Willems; and great-grandchild Aliya Baker.

A memorial service of joy will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Central Church, , 1124 Steven Dr., Richland, WA 99354.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Church, or to Hospice at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336.