Colonel Richard "Dick" E. Ring (Ret. USAF)

Colonel Richard “Dick” E. Ring (Ret. USAF), passed away in Gallatin on Monday, July 5, 2021, at the age of 92. He was born on August 2, 1928, to the late Eugene and Merriam Ring, in Watertown, South Dakota. He was a graduate of Central High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, and The University of Nebraska at Omaha. Upon graduation from pilot training, he married Mina Baker from Gallatin.

Colonel Ring enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 and was commissioned in 1953, as a pilot. During his 27 years in the Air Force, he served at bases in Germany, Georgia, and California, where he served as an Instructor Pilot in the KC-135. He was a Squadron Commander in Vietnam, where he flew the AC-119, providing close air support. After serving in Southeast Asia, he was transferred to Michigan where he served as Squadron Commander and Director of Resource Management when he retired in 1978. His military decorations include: The Bronze Star, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Italian Star Solidarity (Second Degree), and the Royal Thailand Supreme Command Forward Badge (First Degree).

Upon retirement Colonel Ring and his family moved to Gallatin where he owned several businesses before retiring a second time in 1994. He served as a 43-year member of the Gallatin Noon Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Military Officer’s Association, He was a long-time member of Gallatin’s First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon. Prior to his membership at First Presbyterian Church, he had been a member of the Gallatin First United Methodist Church for ten years.

In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by his children; Baker Ring, Richard Ring, Mina Sturk (Bruce), Merriam Osburn, David Ring, and Robert Ring (Alison). Grandchildren: Cady Howard (Martin), Emily Graham (Kyle), Bradley Sturk, Claire Osburn, Davis Osburn, Zachary Ring (Allison), Will Ring, Elizabeth Ring, and Sarah Ring, as well as 4 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Duane W. Ring Sr. (Jan); and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Friday, July 9 at Anderson Funeral Home, Gallatin from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Funeral Services will take place at Gallatin First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 10 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow at the Gallatin City Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Gallatin Rotary Club Noon, The Geezers Club, Bill Hamby, Don Birdwell, George Batte, Ralph Holtzfaster, and Les Van Someren, Scott Riggsbee.

Memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warriors Project, the First Presbyterian Church Choir Fund or Gallatin Noon Rotary Club Christmas for Kids.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anderson Funeral Home, 202 E. Main Street, Gallatin. www.andersonfuneralhome.org.