Richard Dutch

Richard (Dick) Dutch, 94, of Lafayette, Indiana formally of Lebanon, passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Mulberry Health Center Mulberry, Indiana. He was born in Allaben City of Shandaken, NY on April 30, 1922, to Chester Arthur and Ethel (Yost) Dutch. Dick graduated in 1940 from Lebanon High School and then attended Purdue University. In January of 1943, he entered the Army Air Corps. He spent a brief time learning to fly the Douglas C-47 and then was sent to China where he logged over 600 hours of flying time during his mission as part of the allied forces CBI Campaign. Richard received many medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He then went on to work for Allison Division of General Motors as a field service engineer on turbo jet/prop aircraft engines with the military worldwide for 30 years. His job took him to Vietnam during the war from 1970 to 1971 to train and troubleshoot the Super Bee Helo with the OH6A Training Team. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Jean (Walker) Dutch on November 10, 1945 in Indianapolis, IN. Phyllis passed away February 7, 2007. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Dick enjoyed flying remote control airplanes. Dick was also a life member of the Lebanon Elks Lodge. Dick and Phyllis were avid travelers and golfers. They also enjoyed music, dancing and playing cards. He is survived by sons: Charles Arthur (Pam) Dutch – Augusta, Ga, Patrick Henry Dutch – Newberg, NY, Richard Warren Dutch – Morehead City, NC and Nathan Lee (Cindy) Dutch – Lafayette, IN. Seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wife, Richard was preceded in death by brothers, Rolland A. Dutch and Henry C. Dutch; and sisters, Mary V. (Ralph) Joseph and Jeanne E. (Jim) McGinley. Phyl was a talented oil painter who enjoyed painting places she visited. Phyl loved helping others and would volunteer her time at hospitals as a Grey Lady and the Cub Scouts as a Den mother. She was a dedicated wife, grandmother and a loving Mom. Phyl also always had a special love for her pet dogs. She always put other people 1st, followed the 10 commandments and loved the Lord. Graveside Memorial Services will be held on August 5, 2016 for both Dick and Phyl at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery, 935 East Washington Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Memorials may be made in his honor to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Richard Dutch

April 30, 1922 - June 29, 2016