Richard was born April 26th, 1955 in Hutchinson, KS to Mary Charlene and Edgar Lee Vanatta. His arrival into this world was shared with his uncle, born in the same hospital a few hours after Richard. Both parents and grandparents enjoyed this extraordinary arrival of their new sons, this event even being noted in the local paper. Richard was the oldest of seven siblings, followed by Robert Vanatta, Thomas Vanatta, Gary Vanatta, Scott Vanatta, Mike Vanatta and Sheryl (Vanatta) Ortiz.
Growing up in Colorado Springs, Richard enjoyed sports, participating in the school plays, and playing guitar with his friends. He graduated from Wasson High School in 1973.
After a time in college, Richard joined the Air Force. He was able to see many new places in the United States and was even stationed in South Korea. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Colorado Springs and worked in various jobs. Richard then moved to California and learned the plumbing trade. While in California, he made the decision to get his own place in Baja, Mexico and was in the process of building his own home. Richard returned home to Colorado Springs for the summer to see family and friends when he suffered a fatal heart attack.
Richard is survived by his mother, six siblings, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Edgar Lee Vanatta and his brother-in-law Joseph Ortiz.
A memorial service will be help October 3rd, 2022 at 11:00 am at Chapel of Memories, 829 S. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. An interment of ashes will follow at a later date in collaboration with the Veterans’ Administration.
Richard had a love of reading and learning, especially science and history. In that spirit, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pikes Peak Library District or please give a book to someone in your life in his honor.
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