Richard Beitler

Hastings resident and Retired CmSgt USAF, Richard Voorhees Beitler, 90, passed away to the big hanger in the sky on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Richard's wishes were to be cremated, there will be no viewing. Visitation with the family present will be Tuesday, September 5, 2017; 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial with military rites will be Monday, September 18, 2017; 1:00 P.M. in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to the Cowles American Legion Post #116.

Richard Voorhees Beitler, son of Henry Clay Beitler, Sr. & Ella Gretta (Voorhees) Beitler, was born July 9, 1927 in Webster County, Nebraska. He graduated from Cowles High School in 1944. He entered the Army September, 1945. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in October 1945. In September of 1947 it became the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded the Bronze Star, and three commendation ribbons before retiring in 1970. He worked for the Littleton, Colorado Post Office from January 1971 to July 1989. He moved to Hastings, Nebraska in 1992. He is a charter member of the Cowles American Legion Post #116. He was a member of the Trumbull Methodist Church.

Richard enjoyed reading, working on genealogy, gardening, and working with the Legion Post #116.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Henry Clay Beitler, Jr. and wife, Francis; brother, David E. Beitler and wife, Elsie; sister, Ruth Reichstein and husband, Douglas (Swede); sister-in-law, Donna Beitler; and nephews, Donald Beitler and George Michael Reichstein.

He is survived by his brother, Evan Beitler of Trumbull, NE; sister, Helen Graham and her husband, Clifford Graham of Juniata, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.