Richard Eugene Kahler

Dick is survived by his wife of 68 years Joyce Kahler of Arlington TX, his sons Richard Leslie Kahler (Barbara) of Kilmarnock, Virginia, William Page Kahler (Deborah) of Keller, Texas, and Keith Edward Kahler (Gwendolyn) of Parker, Colorado, and 5 grandchildren: Dustin Alexander Kahler, Shelley Joy Meaux (Steve), Kirsten Ashley Kahler, Saundra Marie Kahler, Keith Eric Kahler, and 1 great grandson Lucien Albert Meaux.

Dick was born on February 2nd, 1929 in Aurora, Illinois to Leslie H. and Helen A. Kahler. He married Joyce Keith in the chapel at Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas on September 13, 1952.

He attended college at the University of Illinois and followed in his father’s footsteps to study forestry. In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country as a B-29 pilot during the Korean war. Following the conflict, he was a command pilot flying the KC-97 tanker, T-29, C-47, and other transport aircraft. He accrued over 4000 flying hours. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Kansas State University and was assigned to Sundance Air Force Station in Wyoming as the deputy commander of the nuclear-powered radar site. He received his Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Dick was a member of Sigma Tau National Honor Society and a Professional Engineer.

He had several assignments with the Atomic Energy Commission including 3 years as the nuclear safety officer for the Apollo space program. His final assignment was the U.S. Air Force liaison to NATO’s Advisory Group on Aerospace Research and Development in Paris, France. After over 30 years serving his country, Col. Kahler was awarded the Legion of Merit.

He retired to Texas and went to work for Texas Utilities as a nuclear engineer/Corporate Services Manager at the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant. He provided technical and administrative support to the Executive VP of Nuclear Engineering and Operations during the construction of the plant.

He was an avid golfer and outdoorsman who enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington for over 40 years.

The inurnment is scheduled for June 14, 2:00 pm, at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO. with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice in his memory.