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Lieutenant General Richard Edward Carey, USMC (Ret.), Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Decorated Marine Corps Leader, passed on to our Lord on April 25, 2025.
General Carey a devoted family man, decorated combat veteran, and visionary leader, passed away peacefully at age 97. Born January 10, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio, his father instilled in him the values of service, integrity, and perseverance that would define his life.
His remarkable journey began in 1945 when he enlisted in the Navy’s V-5 aviation cadet program. He soon found his calling in the United States Marine Corps, rising from sergeant to second lieutenant by 1948. His early years were marked by courage under fire as a rifle platoon commander in the Korean War, where he fought at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry, continuing to lead his men despite being wounded.
After recovering from his injuries, he earned his wings as a naval aviator in 1953. He went on to command multiple squadrons and groups, flying every aircraft in the Marine arsenal and completing 204 combat sorties in Vietnam. His leadership and vision were instrumental during pivotal moments, including commanding the 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade during Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. He later served as commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Marine Corps Development & Education Command at Quantico, shaping the future of the Corps until his retirement in 1983.
The General’s legacy is reflected in his many personal decorations: the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars (with Combat “V”), 15 Air Medals, the Purple Heart Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars; the Navy Unit Commendation Medal with one bronze star; and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. He played a key role in developing the Marine Corps Marathon, helping it to become a beloved national event. Other notable accomplishments; he was on the original committee to bring the National Cemetery to Dallas, he was on the committee to bring the Fisher House to the Dallas VA, he helped organize the DFW Honor Guard to provide funeral honors at the DFW National Cemetery, which also helped the KIA's returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, by meeting them at the airport and escorting them to the funeral homes. He helped organize and get ready for the Iraq Veterans Van Program which picked up the wounded Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans and take them to their doctor's appointments. He was instrumental in repurposing the old National Guard building by opening the Veteran's Resource Center to serve our homeless Veterans with an employment center and a welding program to retrain our Veterans to get them integrated back into the workforce. He was the leader on the North Texas Veterans Stake Holders Committee, which helped get better healthcare at the Dallas VA.
Beyond his military accomplishments, He was a loving husband to his late wife, Dena, with whom he shared more than five decades of partnership, laughter, and unwavering support. Together, they raised seven children instilling in them the same values of honor and service that guided his own life. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy and who will always remember his stories, wisdom, and gentle humor.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from George Washington University, believing deeply in the power of education and lifelong learning. He was known for his humility, generosity, and the deep care he showed to everyone around him, from fellow Marines to neighbors and friends.
Lieutenant General Carey’s life was one of service to his country, his Corps, and most of all, his family. He will be remembered not only for his bravery and leadership, but for his warmth, kindness, and the lasting impact he had on all who knew him.
Pre-deceasing Lt. General Carey was his wife Dena, daughter Melody, and son Michael Ramsey Carey. Survivors include daughter Tamara Solum (Jan); sons William (Julie), Paul (Cindy), Robert (Janet), Michael Scott Carey; sisters Barbara, Linda, Carol; and brother Gerald. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Grandson Cole Carey is a US Navy F-18 pilot.
Funeral services will be held at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano on May 5 at 10am. Burial services with full military honors will be held at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:30pm. Memorials can be made to Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Veteran's Resource Center (link below) or a veterans’ charity of your choice.
Semper Fidelis.
