Colonel Richard Joseph Wilson, USAF, Retired

Richard Joseph Wilson, Col., USAF (Ret.), passed away on April 17, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

Rick was born on September 9, 1933, in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Arlington Heights High School, then went on to North Texas State University, where he received a choral scholarship. While there, he joined the ROTC and received top honors as a marksman. After graduating in 1953 with a business degree, he joined the Air Force. While stationed in Waco, he met his future wife, Maryanna “Anna” Lovejoy, and they married soon after. They were married for 71 years before Anna passed in November 2024.

During his Air Force career, the family was stationed at multiple bases in the United States and abroad. After retiring from the Air Force, the family moved to San Antonio, Texas. Rick joined the civil service and worked for the government for another 25 years. During this time, he was selected for a special project, and he and Anna moved to Virginia for six years. Their children and grandchildren enjoyed visiting them and exploring the area.

After his second retirement, he and Anna returned to San Antonio and spent many years traveling and cruising the world. Their long road trips across the United States made for many adventures and beautiful photos. They especially loved the Rockies in the fall and the national parks in Utah. When their health began to decline, they moved to Waco in 2019 to be closer to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Anna; and his son, Bryan Elliott Wilson.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Reeder and husband Phillip of Waco, Texas; his son, Scott Richard Wilson and wife Janet of Pahoa, Hawaii; and his son, Bruce Alan Wilson and wife Valerie of Saginaw, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michael Wilson of Saginaw, Texas; Sarah Wilson of Baltimore, Maryland; Ian Wilson and wife Ellie of Norfolk, Virginia; and Emily Reeder-Ricchetti and husband Danny of Arlington, Virginia; as well as his great-granddaughter, Elliott “Ellie” Ricchetti of Arlington, Virginia.

Grandpa Rick will always be remembered for his quick wit, love of reading and history, and devotion to his wife. He had a deep, hearty laugh that brought smiles to his family and friends.

His musical interests were varied, including bluegrass, big band, traditional jazz, Broadway musicals, and instrumentals, as well as artists such as The Beach Boys and The Beatles. He always had music playing in his home, and later in his apartment. He loved his “Alexa” and enjoyed trying to stump it by asking it to play obscure songs and artists—often succeeding. He was a voracious reader, always with a pen and ruler in hand to underline important passages. He kept up with world news and politics and was always ready to share and discuss his views on current events.

Rick requested no formal service, but at a later date will be interred with military honors at the columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. At that time, his wife will be interred with him.

His laughter, music, and conversations will be deeply missed by his family, but they take comfort in knowing he is rejoicing in his reunion with Anna.

Many thanks to Kevin of Community (Providence) Hospice for caring for Rick in his final months.

The family invites you to leave a message or share a memory of Rick in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.