Posted by Ellen Sue Dexter on August 18, 2025:

Our dad, in addition to all of his accomplishments, was a man of books, letters and words. For these WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE, I am going to use some of His words, Your words, and My words... HIS WORDS: Richard Paul Dexter was born October 23,1941, in Kewanee, Illinois, the son of R. Peyton Dexter and Maxine Reed Dexter. He spent his youth in Galva, Illinois, graduating from Galva High (Go Wildcats!) with the class of 1959. He attended the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!) one year before entering the United States Military Academy at West Point in the summer of 1960. He marched with the Corps of Cadets in President John F. Kennedys inaugural parade in January 1961. He graduated as 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in 1964. He married Sue Johnson in Galva on June 28th, 1964. After graduating from Airborne and Ranger schools, he served in combat and peacetime with infantry battalions of the Fourth Armored, the First Infantry, the 101st Airborne and 82nd Airborne Divisions. His military service took him to Germany (where I was born) and Vietnam, as well as several posts across the United States (e.g. Ft. Benning, GA - where Rich was born and Ft. Ord, CA - where James was born). He was a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He obtained a Master Degree in Industrial Management from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). His military awards and decorations included the Expert Infantryman's Badge, Combat InfantrymanA-'s Badge, Senior Parachutist's Badge, Bronze Star with Valor, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal. He was a 53 year member of American Legion Post 45, in Galva, Illinois. Upon retirement from the military in 1987, he spent 15 years with JAYCOR in McLean, Virginia. After a second retirement, he spent the rest of his life traveling the world and living at Fawn Lake on the Civil War Wilderness Battlefield in Norther Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sue; his sister Susan of Pittsfield Massachusetts; his children Ellen, Richard Jr., James; his grandchildren Peyton, Reed and Rachel. Since September 14th of last year, we have received so many kind thoughts and prayers honoring our dad. YOUR WORDS: How well I remember all those summers we spent in Galva having so much fun! Playing with the band in the park, the Centennial covered wagon from the telephone company, tossing pencils out with the company name...and, of course, going to the viaduct to watch the California zephyr fly through! He was my first and best friend. He made it to every first day of school, birthday, graduation, holiday, band concert and sporting event for his grandchildren. My Grandpa was full of more love than I knew was possible for a person to hold. He told me "It doesn't matter what you choose to do with your life, but I hope that whatever you choose, you go all in." Those words remind me of my Grandpa because he lived those words -- in everything he did, he poured his whole heart into it. And nowhere was that more evident that the way he loved my Grandma. As roommate, classmate, company mate, fellow Glee Club member, Dick was a true and loyal friend. He was honored to be a cadet and was proud to serve his country. He was a quiet leader. He led by the Golden Rule, with good will to all. Words seem inadequate to express my appreciation of his character and values. Some attributes that, to me, describe Dick's exemplary character and values -- unselfish, steadfast, innocent, pure, sincere, loyal, dependable, honest, genuine, guileless, devoted, patriotic, optimistic, moral, uncompromising, decent, steady, self-effacing, fair, patient, gracious, grateful, humble, gentle, and kind. Dick lived his life on a firm foundation of integrity and true motives. We are all better persons for having known him. My son was having an issue during Basic Training that I mentioned to Dick. Within days my son called and said he had a visit from his drill sergeant and some officers. They wanted to know who he knew at the Pentagon. (the issue was resolved and that young PVT wound up having a successful career and father of 3). He is an exemplary member of The Long Grey Line. He was proud and honored to serve. Richard P. Dexter is the epitome of "Duty, Honor, Country". He was my commanding officer in Vietnam (Co B 2/501 101st Airborne Division). I still live by the lessons he taught me. It was an honor to have served under his leadership. For today, do what Dick Dexter did and would doA-'send a note, make a call, and tell someone'o ahead, look around ' "Love You". The Dick Dexter legacy livesA-A?A1/2through each of you. MY WORDS: Daughter of a Soldier He was an Old Soldier. Who heeded the call of Duty, Honor, Country While protecting others here and far away He kept above it all - his Family But now there is nothing more to say He was an Old Soldier. Theirs not to reason why But they will never die For Old Soldiers just fade away He was an Old Soldier. He was my Brubeck. He was my Vivaldi He was my Dickenson. My Poe. My Kipling He was my Twain and Ulysess Heaven and Earth prepare to receive an honored guest. Today our father is laid to rest. Ellen Sue Dexter Old Post Chapel, Arlington National Cemetery 30MAY2025

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