Richard Carl Zeeck, 92, of Corrales, New Mexico, passed peacefully at home on July 9, 2026.

Born August 30, 1933, in the Panama Canal Zone, Richard often said growing up there was the best childhood anyone could have. His adventures exploring the surrounding jungle and lakes with friends and interacting with the servicemen stationed in the area helped inspire his lifelong goal to become an Air Force pilot and travel the world.

In 1949, Richard and his family moved to Lamesa, Texas. There, he was an outstanding student-athlete and graduated from Lamesa High School in 1951. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 1955, accepting his commission in the United States Air Force upon graduation.

He proudly served his country for the next 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Richard spent his first 16 years as an Air Force pilot, flying the C-47 and C-131, as well as the C-123 during a combat tour in Vietnam. He spent the next 10 years in Civil Engineering. Among his numerous military honors, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his retirement from active duty, he continued his career in the civilian sector, spending 11 years with Sverdrup Technology, where he considered his work on a NASA contract for the International Space Station to be the most interesting.

In 1960, while stationed at Brookley AFB in Mobile, Alabama, Richard met and married Vivian, his wife of almost 66 years. Together, they embraced military life with their two daughters. They continued traveling well into retirement, touring the United States in their RV and enjoying numerous cruises and international trips.

We will remember Richard for his humor, his kindness, his gentle strength, and above all, his wonderful stories.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian; his daughter Karen Jones (Stephen); grandchildren Andrea (Mark), Aubrey, Braden, and Kendall; three great-grandchildren; his brother Charles Zeeck (Vieta); and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Christine Zeeck; his daughter Angela; and his sister Joyce Mundell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's honor to a wildlife charity of your choice—he was especially fond of elephants and birds.