Richard D. ‘Dick’ Webster, served in defense dept.
Richard D. “Dick” Webster, 91, of Millville, formerly of Timonium, Md., passed away Monday, July 27, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Harrisburg, Pa., June 11, 1929, son of the late Edward Sharpless Webster and the late Elizabeth Hilda (Bateman) Webster. Dick graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, Va., class of 1947 where he was an honor student and excelled in track and football. For the next four years he was a full-time military cadet of the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Polytechnic Institute obtaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. Dick then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He spent 13 months in combat in Korea, winning the Bronze Star and the Korean Campaign Ribbon with three Battle Stars. He was honorably discharged in 1953 with the rank of first lieutenant. He eventually completed his doctor of philosophy, business management from Pacific Western University in Los Angeles, Calif.
Dick worked for Westinghouse as a corporate director of logistics planning from 1951-87 with the exception from 1981-83, where he served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense under President Reagan. His career accomplishments were vast as he proposed the first industrial Integrated Logistics Support profit center approach for Westinghouse Defense, implemented the first Logistics Research and Development Program in the Department of Defense and initiated the Department of Defense initiative on computer-aided logistics.
Dick was a 32nd Degree Master Mason and a life member of Mason-Dixon VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed walking, swimming, biking and gardening. Dick was also an avid reader, and enjoyed writing, photography and cooking.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeanne Rae Webster in 2017; a brother, Robert Webster and a sister, Jean Myers. He is survived by his two sons, Robert Webster and his wife Gloria of Millville, and Edward Webster and his wife Beverly of Baltimore, Md. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Richard Webster and his fiancée Sara, Robert Webster and his wife Veronica, Jessica Webster, Denise Krebs and her husband Josh, Christopher Webster and his wife Kim, Matthew Webster and his wife Cait, and Rachelle Goodbred and her husband Kyle; nine great-grandchildren, Kaydanse Frizzell, Alexandria Sneddon, Kylie Magness, Wyatt Krebs, Everett Webster, Mairin Webster, Millie Webster, Theodore Goodbred and Skylar Frizzell; and a brother, Jack Webster and his wife Janet.
A private service will be held at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Richard’s name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
