Richard Ferdinand Kahle, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Plano Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, Texas surrounded by family and friends. He was thrilled to make it to age 71.
The son of Andries Ferdinand Kahle and Patty Moojen, Rick was born on December 9, 1952, at Bloemstraat 31, a house in IJsselmuiden, Overijssel, Netherlands.
Shortly after graduating from Bassett High School in La Puente, California, Richard received his draft notice and his number 27. He was not a citizen of the United States, and he was therefore encouraged to return to the Netherlands and avoid service. Instead, he drove to the Air Force recruitment office and enlisted. He was sworn in as a United States citizen in his uniform in 1971.
Richard saw combat during the Vietnam War and Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He served in Active Duty, Air Force Reserves, and California Air National Guard for a total of 23 years.
He married the love of his life, a California blonde named Kristina Kellar. She gave birth to their only child, a daughter named Elizabeth in 1991.
Alongside Rick's military career was his civilian career: he was a mechanical engineer for MGM Studios. He proudly helped design the IMAX film projector and the team won a Technical Oscar.
The military recognized Rick with, among others, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (7 times), the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the National Defense Service Medal.
When he was honorably discharged in 1994, it was due to his lupus diagnosis, which was caused by his exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He would then begin the second half of his life, beset by surgeries, seizures, comas, diagnoses, and innumerable hospital stays.
The most notable characteristic of Rick was his unwavering faith and trust in God. Through salvation in Jesus Christ, Rick rested in the knowledge that his life on earth was temporary and its purpose was bringing glory to God. His mission field was every person who came into his life or crossed his path for even the briefest of moments.
Through every surgery, stumble, setback, and scourge, Richard remained true to character and relentlessly kind. He taught his family through his actions and example – to be grateful for every day on earth, and to be fierce and unmovable in their love.
Richard is survived by his devoted wife Kris Kahle and his adoring daughter Elizabeth Kahle, as well as his two sisters Linda Allen and Sonja Markle, and his brother John Kahle. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rick's funeral service will honor his life and military career. Services will be held at noon on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Rick’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/richard-kahle. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation one hour prior to the service, and to gather afterward at the Kahle Family Home to enjoy stories and fellowship.