Obituary for Richard Drummet
LCDR Richard Charles "Dick" Drummet
September 1931 - March 31, 2020
LCDR Richard Charles "Dick" Drummet, 88, of Emory, TX, unexpectedly flew home to be with his Heavenly Father on March 31. He didn't bother to pack his bags, but did take with him so much love from the family he devoted his life to; and gratitude from the nation he honorably served in wartime and peace, as a jet fighter pilot for the United States Navy.
Dick was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, where his father worked for Chevrolet Motor Company; his mother was a schoolteacher. In the early 40's, the family moved to California; Dick attended Point Loma High School there and earned a BA from San Diego State University.
His life-long dream was to fly. He earned his wings at US Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. He would go on to fly a variety of jet aircraft, like the F4 "Tomcat." His over 2 decade military career took him around the globe, to bases in California, Hawaii, Georgia and Japan. He and his squadron were filmed for the flying scenes in "The Bridges at Toko-Ri," the 1954 movie starring William Holden and Grace Kelly. He deployed during the wars in Korea and Vietnam, from aboard aircraft carriers including the USS Oriskany, Enterprise and Midway.
During a shore leave to San Francisco, Dick was introduced to Carol Richardson, a pretty college student studying to become a teacher. Dick instantly fell in love; he'd go on to say "Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said she was the one I'd been waiting for." Three weeks later they were engaged, and would be happily married 61 years. They had two daughters to whom they were devoted. Dick adored his girls.
For his second career, Dick opted for a quieter, closer-to-home profession, completing his MA to teach history in Lakeside schools, near San Diego. Eventually Dick and Carol moved to Emory. It appealed to them for its small- town feel and abundance of good fishing. Both active members of Lake Fork Baptist Church, Dick became known for his friendliness, generosity, and love of a good joke. At home, Dick was a barbecue king, and his potato-chip cookies were famous in 5 states. He was such fun company and so well-loved. He will be greatly missed.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife and true love Carol (Richardson), daughters, Susan Drummet Stilwell (Derek Stilwell) and Marcia Robinson (Greg Robinson); his sister Marcia O'Neal; many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; and all the wonderful friends who loved him. Till we meet again!
A Celebration of his remarkable life will be held at a later date.
September 1931 - March 31, 2020
LCDR Richard Charles "Dick" Drummet, 88, of Emory, TX, unexpectedly flew home to be with his Heavenly Father on March 31. He didn't bother to pack his bags, but did take with him so much love from the family he devoted his life to; and gratitude from the nation he honorably served in wartime and peace, as a jet fighter pilot for the United States Navy.
Dick was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, where his father worked for Chevrolet Motor Company; his mother was a schoolteacher. In the early 40's, the family moved to California; Dick attended Point Loma High School there and earned a BA from San Diego State University.
His life-long dream was to fly. He earned his wings at US Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. He would go on to fly a variety of jet aircraft, like the F4 "Tomcat." His over 2 decade military career took him around the globe, to bases in California, Hawaii, Georgia and Japan. He and his squadron were filmed for the flying scenes in "The Bridges at Toko-Ri," the 1954 movie starring William Holden and Grace Kelly. He deployed during the wars in Korea and Vietnam, from aboard aircraft carriers including the USS Oriskany, Enterprise and Midway.
During a shore leave to San Francisco, Dick was introduced to Carol Richardson, a pretty college student studying to become a teacher. Dick instantly fell in love; he'd go on to say "Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said she was the one I'd been waiting for." Three weeks later they were engaged, and would be happily married 61 years. They had two daughters to whom they were devoted. Dick adored his girls.
For his second career, Dick opted for a quieter, closer-to-home profession, completing his MA to teach history in Lakeside schools, near San Diego. Eventually Dick and Carol moved to Emory. It appealed to them for its small- town feel and abundance of good fishing. Both active members of Lake Fork Baptist Church, Dick became known for his friendliness, generosity, and love of a good joke. At home, Dick was a barbecue king, and his potato-chip cookies were famous in 5 states. He was such fun company and so well-loved. He will be greatly missed.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife and true love Carol (Richardson), daughters, Susan Drummet Stilwell (Derek Stilwell) and Marcia Robinson (Greg Robinson); his sister Marcia O'Neal; many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins; and all the wonderful friends who loved him. Till we meet again!
A Celebration of his remarkable life will be held at a later date.