Obituary of Richard Warner Blatter

Richard Warner Blatter, 85 years of age, passed on Friday morning, July 1, 2022, at Morning Star Assisted Living at Mountain Shadows, Colorado Springs, CO. Richard was born August 16, 1936, in Cleveland, OH, to the late Horrell and Isabelle Warner. He was the second of three children, all preceding him in death.

Richard was a graduate of Kent State University. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1987 with the rank of Colonel. He was a C-130 pilot and Squadron Commander, and earned two awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valorous action during the Vietnam war. His other Military Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd OLC), Air Medal (4^th OLC), and AF Commendation Medal, AF Organizational Excellence Award, and the National Defense Service Medal. He held a Master’s degree in Safety, and retired from McDonnel Douglas as a Safety Engineer, working on the design and construction of the C-17 for the DOD. He held a Commercial Pilot’s license, and was an active member of the Order of Daedelians.

Richard was an avid athlete, completing multiple marathons and Solvang Century Ride (bicycle) courses. Until very recently, he enjoyed hikes along many Front Range trails, as well as mountain biking along the Santa Fe Trail and Archery at the Air Force Academy Archery Range.

Richard is survived by Peggy L. (Nell) Blatter of Lodi, OH, whom he married in 1958, and referred to as 'Peggy Punkin'. Peggy now resides in Colorado Springs, CO. To also cherish his memory, he leaves Tammie (Blatter) Stiles, wife of Steve Stiles of Colorado Springs, CO and two grandchildren, Jennifer Stiles of Colorado Springs, CO and Jackie (Stiles) Cooper, wife of Michael Cooper of Utica, KY, and host of nieces, nephews, and friends.