Richard Alan Chipman

Richard Alan Chipman

Lt Colonel Richard Alan Chipman, USAF (Retired), formerly of New Carlisle, OH, died on January 14, 2021, in Gainesville, VA. Richard spent his last days in the comfort of his new home, surrounded by family.

He was born in Euclid, OH, on January 28, 1932. Richard is predeceased by his parents, Marvin Milton and Mabel Ann (Shelton) Chipman, and his sister, Jeryl Rae (Chipman) Denton.

Dick had two great loves in his life: Beverly and airplanes. Bev was his best friend of 70 years and beloved wife of 68 years. Together they enjoyed living in many states and traveled extensively. Dick was an outdoorsman who pursued birding, boating, camping, fishing, water skiing, and shooting sports. In addition, he was a craftsman who built airplane models, remote controlled airplanes, and woodwork projects. Known for assisting those in time of need, Dick actively contributed to the greater New Carlisle community, where he and Bev resided for almost 40 years. He served as a Ruling Elder and Clerk of Session at Honey Creek Presbyterian Church for many years. Dick also served in numerous leadership positions within Vandalia Lodge No. 742, chartered through the Grand Lodge of Ohio, F&AM. He was active in the AASR, Antioch Shrine, Chapter, Commandery, OES, and was President of the Past Masters Unit.

Dick had an accomplished career that began upon being commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1953.  He earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University, and an MS degree from Syracuse University. He served on active duty from August 1954 to August 1974, through the Berlin and Cuban Crises, Cold War, and Vietnam War. In 1957, Dick entered pilot training, flew T-34s, T-28s and T-33s, and graduated from Jet Pilot Training in 1958. He flew KC-97 aerial refueling tankers with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) for over 1500 hours, and led a combat flight crew as Aircraft Commander. During the Vietnam War, Dick flew 135 combat missions in tactical electronic warfare. He logged over 4200 flight hours during his Air Force career. He held many positions concerning the research and development of advanced weapons systems for the Air Force. This culminated in his concept formulation and development work on the A-9 and A-10 prototypes at Wright-Patterson AFB, and then at HQ USAF in the development and initial production of the A-10A Attack Aircraft—the Warthog. Dick was awarded the Legion of Merit [for his work on the A-10A], the Distinguished Flying Cross, and several Air Medals for action in Vietnam, and the Combat Crew Member Badge for service in SAC. Dick was a life member of the Order of Daedalians, a fraternity of military pilots. Dick has remained active in high technology product marketing and business development for the Air Force, DoD, and private sector until he was 84.

Richard is survived by his wife, Beverly Jean (Gates) Chipman, from Brooklyn, OH, and his three children, Deborah Lee Zeller (Randel) of Clifton, VA, Valerie Ann Powers of Gainesville, VA, and Richard Alan Chipman, Jr. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Daniel Fortney, Jr. (Corinne), Leanne Fortney, Diane Wilson (Brian), Amanda Chipman, Richard Chipman II, Alexandra Candler (John), Nathaniel Zeller, and Amber Powers; his great grandchildren, Genesis Fortney, Brittany Fortney, William Thomas, Elijah Fortney and Jacob Fortney; two nieces, Sandra Stuart (Tom) and Candyce Denton; a great-niece Rachel Jones, and great-nephew Michael Jones, and numerous cousins.

Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home of Vandalia, OH, is assisting the family with final arrangements. A private memorial service will be held at a future date, followed by interment of cremains at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, OH. The family requests that expressions of remembrance and sympathy be made on Richard Chipman’s tribute page at www.mortonwhetstonefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care, 14900 Conference Center Drive, Suite 170, Chantilly, VA 20151.