DOEHRING RICHARD L

MAJ Richard L Doehring was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 11/17/2022 at the age of 79.9
Houston, TX
Flight Class 67-14
Date of Birth 01/03/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 361 AVN in 68-69
Call sign in Vietnam PANTHER 3
This information was provided by Obit

More detail on this person: Richard Lee Doehring, 79, of Houston passed away November 17, 2022 surrounded by family and friends. He was born January 3, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas to the late Sweeney and Mildred Doehring. Richard was a 1961 graduate of the Kinkaid School. After graduation he attended Trinity University in San Antonio where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, graduating in 1966. During his time at Trinity, he continued his love for flying by spending every possible moment between classes at the airport flying or helping others with their planes. Upon graduation from Trinity University he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and spent four years on active duty. As a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, he flew over 700 hours in the Cobra helicopter in the elite 361st Aviation Escort Company "Pink Panther" unit, was shot down three times, wounded once, and escaped enemy capture. During his service to our country, he was awarded various honors, including the Bronze Star. He remained a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association attending numerous reunions with his military family. Upon his release from active duty, he was employed as an aircraft salesman, flight instructor, and officer/pilot in the U.S. Army Reserve. He achieved the rank of Major and commanded the 273d Med Det based at Hooks Airport. While in the U.S. Army Reserves he attended law school at South Texas College of Law from which he graduated in 1974. He was admitted to the Texas Law Association in 1975, at which time he began his law practice and eventually founded the law firm of Doehring and Doehring, where he was joined by his late brother, Sweeney Doehring. He continued to practice law over the years and was later joined by his nephew, David R. Doehring, who has taken the helm of Doehring and Doehring, PLLC. Richard practiced law relating to probate matters. He has been privileged to have been appointed as an Administrator, Receiver, Guardian, and ad litem in numerous probate matters from all four Probate Courts in Harris County, as well as numerous courts throughout Texas. He had bar associations with the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court, and U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit. He has held certifications for Attorney and Guardian Ad Litem Certification since 1975 and Veterans Administration Certification, Department of Veterans Affairs since 2014. He was member of the Houston Bar Association and Lawyer Pilot's Bar Association. Aviation was always a primary aspect of Richard's life. On weekends you would always find him at the airport working on his beloved Piper Comanche, helping others with their planes, or taking a flight himself. He held a Commercial Pilots License from the FAA, along with Mechanic, Flight Instructor and Inspection Authorization certifications. Additionally, he held a Restricted Radio/Telephone Operator Permit from the FCC. He was a wonderful teacher - teaching and supporting many friends in obtaining their flying license or Mechanics and Flight Instructors certifications. He was a source of information and knowledge of numerous type planes, their history, and mechanical aspects - making him the go to person for other aviation enthusiasts. Richard was a storyteller. The stories he told were endless and reflected events and persons he had experienced in his life. Richard was a wonderful and loving father, grandfather, husband, and companion. He was a man of strong convictions and was ready to defend the United States and what it stands for at any moment. He touched many lives during his lifetime, all of whom has known a man that was caring, intelligent, and ready to help others. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Penny Patricia Doehring, his brothers Sweeney Jamison Doehring, Jr. and Dan Etter Doehring, and his sister Ann Krenek. He is survived by his girlfriend, Sharon Fisher, his son, Brian Frederick Doehring and his wife Season Cathleen Doehring, granddaughter Teagan Brianne Doehring, son Christoph Sweeney Doehring and his wife Amber Jean Doehring, sisters-in-law Sally Walston Doehring, Eileen Whiteside Doehring, and Dorothy "Dotty" Richbourg, and brothers-in-law Dale Krenek and Steven Thrower and his wife Mary Thrower, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. A viewing and visitation will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 5 to 8 PM, at Dettling Funeral Home 14094 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079. The Funeral Service will be held 10 AM at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church 12955 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079. A reception to follow in Friendship Court of the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Richard will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery following the Reception. In lieu of flowers friends and family are encouraged to provide donations to Wounded Warriors, The Battleship Texas Foundation, or your personal choice.

Burial information: Houston National Cemetery

This information was last updated 01/12/2023

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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