SFC Richard D. Krieger, United States Army, Retired

 



Richard D. Krieger was born November 8, 1942 in Michigan and passed away on April 16, 2010 in Killeen, Texas, his life cut short by cancer.

Richard proudly served his country for 25 years, nine months, in the United States Army.  His service included a tour of duty in Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam.  He retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

He then worked for the Sheraton Plaza Hotel, Bell Haven Nursing Home and Botanical Management until his final retirement.

A silent vigil was held for SFC Krieger on April 19 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

On April 20, the Patriot Guard Riders rode in the funeral procession  to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for final interment and military honors.

At the cemetery the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as  final prayers and remarks were made by a US Army Chaplain.  The Chaplain concluded the service with an A Capella solo of “Glorious Day”. 

The Army honor guard then rendered full military honors.  A five rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, signifying Duty, Honor and Country.  Taps was played, and the flag that had covered the coffin was folded into the traditional  triangle and presented to his wife on behalf of  a grateful nation and the United States Army.

SFC Krieger was then laid to rest on a bright, sunny day, on the upper plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.

In the words of the Chaplain:

“Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself.”

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 45 years, Rita, a daughter, a granddaughter and a host of other loving family and friends.

 Glorious Day

 One day when heaven
Is filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to
Be born of a virgin
He dwelt among men, my example is He

[Chorus:]

Living He loved me
Dying He saved me
Buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified
Freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh, Glorious Day
Oh, Glorious Day

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.