More detail on this person: Colonel Richard Dunnam Kisling (USA retired) returned to his roots as an aviator and took flight for bluer skies on September 29, 2013, at the age of 86. He was born in Louisiana on August 25, 1927, the third of four boys. He grew up in the Lone Star State and attended Texas A&M until he was drafted for WWII. This marked the beginning of a distinguished Army career of 30+ years, which included service in several wars, medals of commendation for bravery, command of an aviation battalion, and more than 30 moves. He eventually landed in Corpus Christi, where he retired as Deputy Commander of the Army Depot. His tactical skills and combat training were put to further good use after retirement when he served as Commercial Manager for the City of Corpus Christi Utilities office. Beyond a soldier and administrator, he was a gentle and loving husband and father, and a devoted son and brother. He was a stalwart Aggie, Cowboy fan, Republican (as a testament to his strong fatherly affection, he did not disown the two children who later became Democrats), and a faithful member of St. Paul the Apostle in Flour Bluff, where he often volunteered over the years. He loved golf, tennis, football, dogs, carpentry, country-western music, Gentleman Jack, action and war movies, cowboy art, and taquitos from El Mesquite (AKA "Robert's"), where he started every morning the past few years. Montana held a special place in his heart, where he spent many laughter- and bourbon- infused vacations in the woods fishing along the East Boulder River with his brother and best friend, Dave. Beyond "Colonel" and "Dad," his various unofficial titles over the years included Grillmaster, Driving Instructor, Giver of Advice, Wearer of Old Spice, Maker of Clam Dip, Prefect of Discipline, Dispenser of Tickles, Builder of Patio Covers, Lawn Superintendent, Baiter of Hooks, Writer of Checks, Vacation Station Wagon Driver, Feeder of Birds, and Cracker of Jokes. He was particularly adept in that last role: he loved to tease people of all ages and had a ready smile and an easy laugh. He leaves us to join his parents, James and Ruth, and two of his brothers, Jim and Pete, who rounded the bend ahead of him. He will be sorely missed by his wife of 66 years, Gerry; his four children--Mary, Richard Jr., Christopher, and Kathryn--and their families; brother and sisters-in-law, including David and Sally Kisling and Marian Kisling; sister-in-law Patty Wolfe and her husband, Richard; and the rest of the extended family, including numerous nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Food Bank of Corpus Christi and/or that you donate a hug or smile to the nearest person who needs one.
This information was last updated 10/28/2020
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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