More detail on this person: Richard W. Van Dusen, a cherished husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 3, 2024, at his home in Guthrie, OK. Richard was born in Memphis, TN, on April 12, 1946, to Mary (Hunter) Printup and Fred Van Dusen. He was a man of many talents and an even larger heart. Richard's childhood summers with his Aunts Martha and Sarah in Holly, CO, were filled with cherished memories. He often spoke fondly of his adventures with cousins, exploring cornfields, swimming in Horse Creek, and working on the farm. He thought of his cousins more as siblings and they thought the same of him. These experiences shaped his love for the outdoors and his strong work ethic. Richard graduated from Messick High School in Memphis, TN, in 1965 and briefly attended college before joining the US Army. He served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, where he earned the rank of CW2, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star. He flew Huey helicopters during his first tour and Chinook helicopters during his second. Richard continued flying after his military service, engaging in diverse activities like crop dusting, aerial photography, and wildfire suppression. His flying adventures even led him to appear on the television show "That's Incredible!" in 1980, where he flew the crew filming bungee jumpers from the Golden Gate Bridge. Richard's unpredictable flight paths even led him to catch his son, Richard, and his friend skipping school to go fishing, as he flew over their fishing spot one afternoon. Richard and his wife, Sally relocated to Rogers, AR, in 1991 after he retired from flying. They bought Beaver Lake Marine, a boat store. He later worked as a truck driver for Willis Shaw, John Christner Trucking, and Tyson Foods, where he also trained others. He was highly regarded in every position he held, with friends and coworkers describing him as "the best of the best." Richard found love again after the passing of his wife Sally, marrying Jan, who had also lost her previous spouse. Despite being married for only 8 and a half years, they brought joy and companionship to each other's lives. They recently moved to her home town of Guthrie, OK where they were enjoying getting to know the community. He made fast friends with the new neighbors and had already started looking for a model train club to join. Richard possessed an innate mechanical aptitude, capable of diagnosing and resolving intricate engine issues simply by listening to their sounds over the phone. His vast knowledge spanned numerous subjects, and he served as a trusted confidante and advisor to many. Richard's forgiving nature, coupled with his unwavering belief in others' potential, fostered an environment of encouragement and support, inspiring those around him to pursue their aspirations, regardless of perceived challenges. Richard, affectionately known as Dick-Tater for his innovative spirit (he always had a better way to do something), was a man of many beloved sayings, including "What you oughta do is...", "Try it. You'll like it", "It's ok that you messed that up, what'd you learn?", and "You're OK, get up. Try again". These phrases reflected his optimistic outlook and encouraging nature. He was known for his adventurous spirit, dedication to family, loyalty to friends, infectious laughter, quick wit, and love of jokes. Richard's presence brought joy to those around him, leaving a lasting legacy of laughter and love. Richard is preceded in death by his mother Mary Hunter Van Dusen, step-father Daniel Printup, wife Sally Beebe Van Dusen, granddaughter Sara Beebe, and his beloved childhood nanny, Florence Bond. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Janet Haley Van Dusen; his sister Harriet (Rob) Meinecke; his children Richard H. Van Dusen, Anne (Clint Null) Van Dusen, Sean (Nancy) Beebe, Colleen Beebe, Cathleen Faircloth, Kelly (Jon) Wolfe, Lori (Marcus) Bandi; his grandchildren Mason (Cassidy) Wolfe, Parker Wolfe, Cooper Wolfe, Hali (Michael) Murphy, Brandon Bielen, Benjamin (Lillie) Faircloth, Nathan (ChristiAna) Ratzlaff, Kale (Mollie McDougal) Davis, Blake (Addie) Davis, Alexis Van Dusen, Austen Metz, Nick Elrod; and his great grandchildren, Ophelia, Kateri, Vinzent, Soren, Harrison, Harper; as well as countless cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved so much. Richard, Dad, G-pa, Pa, Uncle, you are missed. A gathering of family and friends will be planned in Colorado. The date and location will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Richard's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Family and friends can sign the guest book at www.smithgallo.com.
This information was last updated 12/17/2024
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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