Dick Gallagher was born August 16, 1933 in Bellingham, Washington and passed away March 11, 2010 at his residence in Harker Heights, Texas at the age of 76.
1stSGT Gallagher served his country in the United States Army from March 24, 1959 until March 31, 1984. He then worked at Texas Department of Justice in Gatesville, Texas as a correctional officer until his retirement in 1995.
Funeral services were held at the Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights on March 17, 2010. Present were Patriot Guard Riders from the CENTEX region to honor this fallen veteran. They formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.
After the services, the Riders lead the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for the rendering of full military honors and interment.
Present at the cemetery were other Riders and a United States Army Honor Guard, including a rifle detail and a bugler.
The Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said and a military chaplain led the congregated family and friends in the singing of Amazing Grace.
Three volleys of fire were fired by the rifle detail, representing Honor, Duty and Country. The bugler played taps, and the American flag was folded into a tight triangle and presented to the family by an Army Non-Commissioned Officer, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.
1stSGT Gallagher’s remains, contained in an urn, were then placed into a niche of the columbarium wall by his family. The niche was then sealed, as his family shed tears and shared hugs.
Throughout the final services, a song bird sat in a tree, high above, and warbled its cheerful song, and the American flag was flying at half-mast on the hill above.
Left to cherish his memory are one son, three daughters, two brothers and four grandchildren, for whom he was a loving father and grandpa, and in whose hearts he will live forever.
With thanks to the Killeen Dailey Herald for biographical information.
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