Richard Vaughan LaBarre

Lieutenant Colonel Richard (Dick) Vaughn LaBarre, (87) passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023, in Poquoson, Virginia.  Richard was born in Battle Creek Michigan to Richard and Dora LaBarre.  Richard attended Michigan State University where he met the love of his life Geralene Childs.  Richard and Gerry married in his junior year of college and upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force.  Like most military families, they moved often, with tours in Georgia, New York, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, Vietnam, South Korea, Utah, and his last assignment to Langley AFB Viriginia, relocating his family to Poquoson, Virginia in 1980.  Dick served in the Vietnam War earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, and the Vietnam Service Medal with one device.  He retired from active duty in 1984 and continued to serve as a Department of the Army Civilian.

Dick volunteered and participated in numerous community activities. He was a lifelong member of Poquoson Kiwanis and enjoyed manning the smokers for BBQ fundraisers or working at the Poquoson Seafood Festival.  Richard was also a charter member of KirkWood Presbyterian Church, never knowing a stranger, he could be found every Sunday greeting parishioners.  He had a true passion for cars and loved everything from tinkering with engines to watching races.  His need for speed while driving was a main topic of conversation with anyone riding along with him.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Airman, veteran, and loyal friend.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn and Dora LaBarre; and his sister, Donna Pugh; parents-in-law, Alfred and June Childs; and brother-in-law, James Childs.  He is survived by his wife, Geralene LaBarre; daughters, Dawn Haupt and Beth Davies; son, Mike LaBarre; and daughter of the heart, Fay Layman.  Grandchildren, Robert Haupt, Brian Haupt, Jared Davies, and Ian Davies; five Great-Grandchildren, and his faithful dog Sammy.  A special thanks to the caregivers at Dominion Village.

Memorial Service will be held at KirkWood Presbyterian Church, November 11 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Alzheimer’s Association or Animal Aid Society.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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