Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard “Dick’ Hayes Scott, U.S. Army, age 91, New Braunfels, Texas, lover of life, people and animals, transitioned to the other side on June 23, 2024 following a long and eventful journey on this planet.
Dick was born January 29, 1933 in Winnfield, La„ the youngest child of James Valentine and Eva Sowers Scott. Dick was 16 when his family moved to California where he attended Grant Union High School and met his first wife, Patricia Callahan. Dick and Pat married in 1953 and subsequently had five children: Terrie, Mark, Richard Jr., Gregg and Kimberly.
Dick was drafted into the Army in 1954. He attended basic training at Fort Ord in California and then completed officer and aviation training at Fort Rucker in Alabama and Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Dick had a distinguished military career as a Medevac helicopter pilot, serving both in Korea and two tours in Vietnam as the Commander of the 498th Medical Company (Air Ambulance). Dick’s helicopter was shot down in Qui Nohn on Nov. 11, 1965. He was able to get himself out and rescued his co-pilot, suffering severe burns in the process. Dick was awarded a Purple Heart for his heroism. The men of the 498th honor Dick as the “best commander ever” and continue yearly reunions to share the friendship and respect they have for each other.
Dick was a lifetime member of the Dustoff association, VFW, Elks and the Solopilots Association. The Solopilots was comprised of the pioneers of aeromedical evacuation who flew in Korea from 1952 to 1959 in difficult conditions over rough terrain, often in the dark and with primitive instrumentation.
In addition to receiving the Purple Heart, Dick also was awarded numerous other medals and citations during his medical career, including the Air Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Soldier’s Medal and the Gallentry Cross from the Republic of Vietnam.
Following his tours in Vietnam Dick married his second wife, Nancy Berry, an Army nurse. They had two daughters, Andrea and Melissa. Dick was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany in the early 1970’s and also spent time at the Surgeon General’s office in Washington, D.C. Following his retirement in 1974 he moved to Wisconsin where he worked at the University of Wisconsin. He also continued his education, receiving a Master’s Degree in Counseling.
Dick moved to Texas in the mid 1970’s and worked for a number of years at River Gardens, an intermediate facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In the early 90’s Dick traveled abroad to serve for four years as a civilian advisor to the Saudi Arabian National Guard; then later served as the Administrator of the Military Medical School in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
While in Saudi Arabia, Dick met his third wife, Carole Bell, who was working at King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh. They married in Dubai in 1993 and for many years they enjoyed traveling the world, experiencing myriad adventures in countries in the Middle East, Australia, Europe and the United States. Hawaii was a frequent and favorite destination of theirs.
Upon returning to the United States, Dick and Carole settled in New Braunfels, Texas, where they were active in several dance groups and enjoyed a rich social life. On many weekends they could be found doing the two step or swing dancing with friends at the Geronimo VFW, the Elks Lodge, or Goofy’s at Canyon Lake.
Dick had a bIg heart, loved all people, made friends easily and would give you the shirt off his back, the hat off his head, his watch or the cash in his pocket! Dick enjoyed shopping, dressing up and going out to restaurants or dance clubs. But his favorite thing to do was spend time surrounded by family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dick is predeceased by his parents and his siblings, James, Elinor and George. He is survived by Carole, his wife of 31 years; his second wife, Nancy; seven children: Terrie, Mark (Tammy); Richard Jr. (Elsa), Gregg, Kimberly (Nancy), Andrea (Shad), Melissa (TJ.}; two stepchildren: Liberty (Colleen) and Crystal (Pierre); 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of extended relatives and many, many friends around the world.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hope Hospice. www.hopehospice.net
A graveside service with military honors for Richard will be held Monday, July 15, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209.SEE LESS