Richard "Dick" Nye

Richard went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ Wednesday, March 14, 2018 in Tyler Texas after a series of brief illnesses. He was 88. Richard was born in Winfield, Kansas to Milton Foster Nye and Clara Bell Ealey Nye. He was survived by his loving family including his wife, Barbara; son, Gary Nye; grandson Sean Nye; granddaughter, Melodie Nye; beloved brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Helen Snyder; brother-in-law, Ron West; nephews, Paul and Mark Nye; future son-in-law, Cody Adams; daughter-in-law, Asasia, great-granddaughter, Zoe; as well as their family members and many close friends. He was a member of Colonial Hills Baptist Church. Richard was always an active member of his church which included being a Sunday school teacher, choir member, deacon and steward over the many years of his life. He graduated from Capital Hill High School in 1947 and attended the University of Oklahoma in 1948; followed by the University of Texas from 1953-56 while serving in the United States Air Force. While in high school, Richard was a member of the marching band playing the french horn and harmonica. While serving his country during the Korean War, he was stationed at Balcones Research Center in Austin, Texas, participating in primate studies. At least one of the primates who was in their care went on to be launched into space with the beginning of America’s space program. Richard enjoyed 69 years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Barbara L. West, after being wedded on October 29, 1948. Their son, Gary was born July 22, 1958. He began his career working with Air Reduction Company (Airco), where he worked for 20 years. He worked his way up from unloading rail cars for the company to attaining the position of Regional Sales Manager. Richard and two business partners then started Empire Welding Supply, an independent distributorship, selling Airco products and services for the next 15 years. The business was very successful and eventually acquired by a large Fortune 500 corporate competitor and he and his partners were fortunate to be able to retire in their early 50s. Throughout Richard’s life he always put God, country and family first and was a great husband, father and example for us all. His compassion, love, advice and great sense of humor will be forever missed by all who knew him. He loved making a home out of a house which included gardening, carpentry and gourmet cooking in the kitchen. He always had some kind of home improvement activity going on. He was his happiest when creating or fixing something with his own two hands. If there was a way Richard could build it or fix it himself, he always did. He enjoyed the outdoors which included a lifetime of golf, water skiing, boating and fishing during his younger days. During his years of work with Empire Welding Supply, there were always two company campouts per year in the high Colorado Rockies, where plenty of motorcycle trail riding, fishing and storytelling around the campfires took place for all employees to enjoy. Richard loved auto racing and he helped a driver, Bud Linstrom, get sponsorship through Airco for his super modified stock car in Oklahoma City. Richard and his son, Gary attended the Indy 500 in 1976 and saw “Star Wars” the night before. What a weekend! Richard was a Columbine, Cherry Hills and Holly Tree Country Club member which added to his love of golf and fellowship through the years. He was even able to enjoy a round of golf at the renowned Augusta Golf Course. He enjoyed membership with the Denver Petroleum Club and Rotary Club. Richard's fondest memories were of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and childhood summers spent on the Walnut River in Winfield, Kansas and his favorite dogs Skippy and Mr. Buttons. Memorial Services for Richard E. Nye, 88, of Tyler, will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Carter officiating. A reception will follow at Meadow Lake Senior Living in their Laurel Hall on the main floor from approximately 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Richard "Dick" Nye

July 7, 1929 - March 14, 2018