Richard Milheron

BREWER - Richard Paul “Moe” Milheron, 83, of Brewer, ME passed away 11/1/16 at home after a long battle with cancer. Richard was born Sept 5, 1933, in Lincoln, ME the son of the late Forrest F. Mulheron and the late Ruth E. (Emery) Gould. Richard moved to Bangor when he was 5 years old. He attended Lincoln Middle School, Garland St. Jr High school and was a graduate of Bangor High School, class of 1952.

In 1953 during the Korean War when young men were being drafted into the Army, Richard chose to enlist in the United States Air Force. After basic training, he attended Morse Code Radio School at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. His first assignment was with the 56th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron in Yokota, Japan flying as an Airborne Radio Operator.

Richard made a career out of serving in the Air Force where he attained the rank of Master Sargent before retiring in 1977. His favorite assignment was being trained as an In-flight Refueling Technician, commonly known as a Boom Operator. This assignment took him all over the world where he spent time in England, France, Germany, Libya, and the Far East. He served proudly with Strategic Air Command in the 42nd Air Refueling Squadron logging over 15,000 hours in flight on such notable aircraft as the WB-29, KB-50, KC-97 and KC-135 Stratotanker. He earned many notable commendations including: US Air Force Senior Aircrew Badge, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Military ribbon, Vietnam Service Military ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Richard attended Westbrook College in Portland, ME after retiring from the Air Force earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1983. He enjoyed secure employment as a Department Supervisor at Maine Medical Center in Portland for 15 years. Richard was an avid pool player, poker player, fisherman, and Red Sox fan.

Richard will be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family unconditionally. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Madelyn (Williams) and three children, Richard P. Milheron Jr and his wife, Elizabeth of Aurora, IL, Troy Milheron of Lakeland FL, and Suzann Milheron of Somers, CT. Richard is survived by two grandchildren, Caitlyn (Milheron) Karl and her husband Jake, and Shannon Milheron. He is also survived by his 7-lb poodle, Ruby. Richard was predeceased by his granddaughter, Gillian Milheron, his brother, Forrest F. Mulheron Jr and his sister Betty Jean (Mulheron) O’Brien.

A memorial service will be held privately for family members only. Those who wish to remember Richard in a special way may make donations in his memory to Cancer Care, c/o EMHS Foundation, Leukemia Fund. PO Box 931, Bangor, ME, 04402-0931.

Condolences may be expressed at www.brookingssmith.com.