Colonel Richard B. Gilmore, 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family at his home on May 11, 2022. Richard was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War and spent another 30 years in active duty.  God looks down on his soul as a life well lived with service to a great nation with love and devotion to all.

Richard was born on October 9, 1946 in Collinsville, Illinois to his parents Charles Eugene Gilmore and Esther Dorothy Papp. When he was just 19, Richard decided he wanted to join the Army. Once he finished basic training, he was sent to flight school at Ft. Wolters, TX. Upon his completion of flight school, he then went on to Ft. Rucker, AL where he graduated from flight school in 1967 and completed his Warrant Officer school in 1970. Richard would go on to serve two tours in the Vietnam War as a pilot. He flew hueys and chinooks and received many decorations to include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for his valor.  

In 1976, Richard graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors in Science. He continued his education years later and received a Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies at the Naval War College and a Master’s of Science from Salve Regina in 1990.

After serving in Vietnam, Richard spent time abroad in Germany and Korea. He commanded with distinction the 13^th Supply and Support Battalion in Stuttgart, Germany and Brigade command of 20^th Support Group in Taegu, South Korea.  They, Richard and Pamela, were leaders among the military, loved by all, and eventually settled in the city of Newport News, Virginia.

After moving to Virginia, Richard started working at the Army Training and Doctrine Command sharing his wisdom for a number of years.  He used this time to become a fantastic Grandfather to his two daughters’ children.  He had a remarkable love for his children and grandchildren.

When Richard wasn’t working, he had a passion for camping, fishing, and hosting memorable gatherings around the Gilmore bar-b-que.  He was the consummate host and shared the most fabulous house in the neighborhood to entertain endlessly. 

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Charles Gilmore, Esther Devine, brothers Charles Gilmore Jr, Larry Gilmore, and his beloved daughter Amy Gilmore. Richard is survived by his wife Pamela (Toundas) Gilmore, daughter Jennifer Smith (Christopher), and grandchildren Andrew Wuchte, Alexander Wuchte, Madeline Smith, and Richard Smith. His sisters Patricia Strauser, Dottie Gilmore, and Rebecca Settlemoir.

The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the residence, 812 N. Lismore Court, Newport News. The gathering will be for a time to celebrate Richard’s life with remembrance and reflection. His final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.