Richard Wayne Putz, veteran, harness horse driver
Richard “Skip” Wayne Putz, 82, of Georgetown, passed away unexpectedly at home Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.
Skip was born in Georgetown Oct. 30, 1941. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph J. Putz; his mother, Willie M. (Proffitt) Vogt; and stepfather, Henry J. Vogt.
Skip was a member of Georgetown High School Class of 1960. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1961-65 during the Vietnam conflict as assistant crew chief of the C-130 transport airplane. He flew numerous missions around the world.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he started his career as a harness horse driver, breeder, and trainer, which spanned more than 20 years. He raced at many racetracks up and down the East Coast. He was known as “The Little Big Man” in many newspaper sports articles. He held a ½ mile record for many years at Ocean Downs Raceway.
Skip was employed by Indian River School District as a maintenance technician for 27 years before retiring. He enjoyed the camaraderie with his co-workers and students. Many students fondly remembered “Mr. Skip” when he would see them out in public.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Linda Patricia (Wells) Putz; four sons, Kevin Wayne Putz and wife Sandy, Brian Taylor Putz and wife Jenn, Kelly Douglas Putz, and Steven Arron Putz and wife Katie; eight grandchildren, Barry, Brandy, Brian Jr., Allan, Terry, Mason, Remy, and Arabella. He is also survived by a brother, Donald J. Putz; and three sisters, Judy Vogt Dean, Brenda Vogt Roys and Izetta Vogt Claybrook; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 21, Short Funeral Services chapel, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. Visitation begins at 10 a.m.
Interment with military honors will be at 1 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
Since one of Skip’s greatest loves was his landscaped yard, flowers are welcome, or donations in Skip’s memory are welcome to a favorite charity.
Online condolences are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
