It’s with deep sadness that I report the passing of a great Rotarian and a good friend, Richard Wells Diller.
Richard Wells Diller., 86, of Killeen Texas died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on November 24, 2017. He was a devoted husband to his wife Carole (Odom) Diller of 62 years. Born in Schofield Barracks HI, November 13, 1931, he was the son of the late Brigadier General LeGrande "Pick" Albert Diller, and Harriet Alpha (Wells) Diller. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He then entered the US Army where he proudly served his country during the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was a recipient of the Silver Star with 1 Oak Leaf Custer; Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal with Numerals 23; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal with V device and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Parachutist Badge; Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars; Senior Army Aviator Badge; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Army General Staff Identification Badge; Vietnamese Parachutist Badge; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Last overseas service Vietnam August 1967 – 1968. Richard proudly retired from the US Army as a Colonel. Following his enlistment in the US Army, Mr. Diller worked and retired from Central Texas College. Mr. Diller enjoyed racing Porsche Cars. He was a member of the Maverick Porsche Club. He was a member of the Killeen Rotary Club. Mr. Diller leaves behind his Beloved wife Carole. He was a loving father to his daughter Suzanne Diller Perez and loving father-in-law to Michael Perez. He leaves many cousins who loved him dearly. Also, the many years of adopted or orphaned dogs and cats who found a forever home with the Diller's. The Funeral Service will be at 9:00am Tuesday November 28, 2017 at Lifeway Fellowship Baptist Church. Visitation at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home Monday November 27, 2017 from 4:30 to 7:30pm. Interment will follow in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen Texas. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the CTRW Scholarship Endowment Foundation or donation of choice.