Richard Whittaker

Lt. Richard Lee Whittaker (Ret.), rode off into his sunset April 20, 2015. He was preceded on his journey home by his parents, Allen and Ruth Whittaker; and granddaughter, Danielle Renee Rodrigues. He leaves behind his children, Shari Drury, Mary Whittaker, Rulinda (Tony) Krasovic, Rich (Cristal) Whittaker and Shawn Whittaker; beloved grandchildren, Nicole Drury, Brianna Drury, Tyson Colarelli, Jordon Colarelli, Rian Rodrigues, Brooke Rodrigues, Brandt Krasovic, Michael Whittaker, Kylee Whittaker and Holly Cook; and godson, Adam Burnham. Richard was born Dickie Ronald Blandin to Charles and Hazel Hare Blandin in August of 1943. He was the 13th child of 15 Blandin children; Junior Lee, Charles Thomas, William Harold, Dean Arnold, Doris Maxine, Glenn Dale, Phyllis Jane, Shirley Ann, Patsy Ann, Donald Rex, Charlene Lavon, Jerry Joe, Garol Grant and Elizabeth Kay. At the age of 18 months Richard was adopted by the Whittakers. Richard is descended from a long line of Warrior Blood, both male and female who served in The Revolutionary War, North and South in the Civil War, World War II, Viet Nam and the Native American side at the Battle of Greasy Grass (Little Bighorn). He was a decedent of noted female Confederate spy 'Rebel' Belle Boyd and was a nephew of William Boyd, the late Hollywood actor best remembered for playing Hopalong Cassidy in western movies. Richard grew up on the Chisolm Trail in Clearwater, Kansas. He spent his youth playing sports, breaking horses, wrangling, working the wheat harvests, working for his dad and riding his Palomino horse, Blondie. He attended Clearwater schools, St. Johns Military School, Pueblo Community College, Southern Colorado State College and numerous Federal, State and local specialized law enforcement academies. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Viet Nam War, Clearwater Police Department, Sedgwick County (Wichita, Kan), Sheriff Department, Colorado Department of Corrections and Pueblo Sheriff Department. He was a veteran of the Metro Death Investigations Team as a lead homicide detective, Metro Narcotics Unit as an undercover narcotics detective and a member of the Escape Team and Critical Incident Team for the Department of Corrections. In 1980, the Pueblo Region Law Enforcement group recognized him as the Outstanding Uniformed Officer of the Year for exceptional achievements in the law enforcement field. Richard received National recognition in 1981 when the Police Hall of Fame decorated him with the prestigious John Edgar Hoover Distinguished Police Service Medal, one of America's highest honors to a living law enforcement officer. Among his other commendations and citations were: Professional biography published in Who's Who in American Law Enforcement, International Who's Who, Personalities of the West and Midwest, Selection to the Legion of Honor, Grand Knight of Justice to the International Order of Michael the Archangel Police Legion Society, Police Hall of Fame Honor Award, American Police Service Medal and the Legion of Valor. Richard was a recipient of four commendations for valor during his career including; the Silver Star (LE), the National Distinguished Public Service Gold Medal for outstanding act of valor and several citations from the American Law Enforcement Officers Association. Richard's last commendation was in recognition of grievous injuries sustained while in the performance of his duties as a law enforcement officer. Some of his duty assignments included; Patrol Watch Commander, Fugitive Detective, Undercover Narcotics Detective, Lead Homicide Detective Sergeant, SWAT Team, Search and Rescue, Internal Affairs and A.C.A Accreditation. He was one of nine subject matter experts who developed and delivered the first curriculum for Colorado's State Detention Officer's Academy. He was a professional consultant and trainer for national and state agencies throughout the United States. He was a published author and contributed to professional publications. He was one of Pueblo's first Advanced EMT's and worked an ambulance crew for many years. After his active duty service, he worked for School District 60 as a security officer. Richard was a founding member of the National U.S.M.C. Devil Dogs Club and Museum of Marines, American Legion Riders of District 8 and Pueblo Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers U.S.A. Through the years, he served as an officer or a board member for Pueblo F.C.P.O, Pueblo Interfaith Association of Churches, Pueblo Y.W.C.A. Family Crisis Shelter, Pueblo County Women's Council, Pueblo-Arkansas Valley Boys and Girls Clubs, Pueblo County Search and Rescue, Lowell Lundstrom Crusades, American Legion Riders, Pueblo Jaycees, Colorado Jaycees, Pueblo County Young Dems, Colorado Young Dems, Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board for Colorado and Wyoming, Front Range Detention Association and Pueblo Community College Criminal Justice Academy Advisory Board. He was an invited guest speaker at the National Homicide-Armed Robbery Conference in 1977. Richard was a current member of Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers U.S.A., Gideons International, U.S.M.C. Devil Dogs Club, Run for the Wall Viet Nam Veterans of America, Rolling Thunder, American Legion, Patriot Guard Riders, Police Combat Veterans, life member Police Marksman Association, The History Club, American Law Enforcement Officers Association, American Police Hall of Fame, P.E.R.A. and Red Cloud Pine Ridge Indian School. His life long love of horses and the American West was reflected in his years of service on the Colorado State Fair Rodeo Committee. His most cherished moments were time with his family, the many rides across America and Canada on his Harley and in the saddle with his great friend, Blondie. To the end of his life was an extraordinary ride filled with adventure and excitement. Richard's family, civic service and decorated law enforcement career leaves an indelible record that he passed this way on his journey home. Viewing one hour prior to service. Funeral service, 1 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Praise Assembly of God, 2000 Troy Ave. Military honors by Pueblo Veterans' Ritual Team. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made in Richard's name to the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers U.S.A., Gideons International or the Red Cloud Indian School through the funeral home. Service-Honor-Valor is synonymous with all good peace officers everywhere. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com