Richard Scott Herr, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Air Force, died on April 29, 2024, in Spring Branch, Texas. Born on October 29, 1961, in Dayton, Ohio, to Walter Kuhn Herr (deceased) and Sharon Kay Herr, Richard's life was marked by a steadfast commitment to his family and country.

Richard grew up in Maryland and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland College Park in 1983, where he was given the title "Commander" by his Delta Tau Delta Fraternity brothers. He continued his education with a Master of Science in Management from Lesley University, balancing his studies with his duties in the USAF.

Lt Col (ret) Richard Herr was an accomplished U.S. Air Force Special Operations Helicopter Pilot who served 21 years in his nation’s service. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Rich was commissioned through AF ROTC. His first assignment was F.E. Warren AFB, WY providing Search & Rescue and Nuclear Security Operations (UH-1N). Rich moved on to his next assignment at Andrews AFB (VH-1N), where he provided daily flight operations/transportation for our Nation’s Most Senior Leaders including the Secretary of Defense, White House Cabinet Members and the DoD Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rich then joined Air Force Special Operations Command and transitioned to the mighty MH-53 Pave Low Helicopter. Rich really enjoyed the special operations community and the unique comradery it provided. He served assignments at Hurlburt Field, FL and RAF Mildenhall and participated in numerous world-wide deployments and contingency operations. Rich finished his USAF career as a Military Instructor at Maxwell AFB, AL. Rich was a proud member of the Air Force Special Operations Community (Any Time, Any Place!) and the MH-53 Pave Low Brotherhood (Pave Low Leads-PLL!)

Throughout the years, Richard earned other nicknames, including “Code Boy” for his amazing ability to memorize the International Code Compliance manual in his 17-year career as a Building Inspector in municipalities around the San Antonio area after his military retirement. 

To the Mammen Family Public Library staff, aka Bulverde/Spring Branch Library, he was the “Volunteer Maintenance Director” from the time his wife became the Library Director in 2008. His unwavering commitment ensured that the facilities were meticulously maintained for the benefit of the community.  He was instrumental in oversight of the 2017-2019 expansion/renovation of the library. 

Richard exemplified selflessness in his devotion to assisting others, always there to lend a very capable helping hand, whether the need came from family, friends, neighbors or library staff. 

Above all, Richard cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Susan Rivera Herr; children Brittany Herr, Cody Herr (Sarah), and Courtney Roetter (Jason); siblings Kathy Jan (Roly) and Christopher Herr (Iksha). He was a proud uncle to Sierra, Lauren, Kaya, and Nish, and all his relations from his wife's family, including much loved nieces, nephews, and in-laws. 
He was a proud and doting grandfather to Roan, Cedric, Reiker, and Griffin. When asked by his daughter upon news of her first pregnancy what their grandparent names would be, Richard without hesitation claimed “Mav and Goose” as their grandparent call signs.

A memorial service to celebrate Richard's life was held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 18th, at the Mammen Family Public Library in Spring Branch, Texas. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to share their memories. Richard was laid to rest with full military honors at 11:15am on May 20th at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

A man of integrity, honor, and love, Richard will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.



Richard Scott Herr from special operations book PG 86

RICHARD SCOTT HERR

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PERSIAN GULF

LEGION OF MERIT

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL

JOINT SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

AIR FORCE ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL

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