Richard Lee Toops

U.S. Air Force MSgt Richard Lee Toops (Ret.), 73, Henderson, Nevada died Thursday July 23, 2020 at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena Campus, Henderson, Nevada. He was born October 17, 1946 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Wesley Orland and Dorothy Elaine (Hysell) Toops.

A graduate of Franklin Heights High School class of 1964. He completed Power Engineering courses on Boilers and Steam Plant Operations from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Maintaining his Power Plant Operating Engineer License until his retirement from Edison in 2007.

He was a Master Sgt in the United States Air Force, serving from May 1966 to Nov. 30, 1987, during which time he received numerous medals: Air Force Commendation, Air Force Good Conduct, National Defense Service, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary- Korea. He was awarded both the Air Force Outstanding Unit and Air Force Longevity Service awards, trained in OJT Manager/Supervisor Orientations and OJT Trainer Orientation courses. Receiving several service ribbons: Air Force Overseas Short Tour, Air Force Overseas Long Tour, Small Arms Expert Rifle and the Air Force Training. After his retirement from the Air Force he began his second career as a Power Plant Operating Engineer for Edison (formerly Pioneer Chlor Alkali Co. and Stauffer Chemical Co. in Henderson, Nevada.

He liked traveling across the country and enjoyed many trips with his cousin and childhood best friend Jack "Butch" and Sharon Toops. Buddy was not a materialistic person but carried his memories and treasures in his heart and mind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Wesley L. Toops and two sisters Bobbie J. Runkle and Ruth Ann Happeny.

He is survived by his daughter Katherine Elaine Toops of Henderson, Nevada, son Richard Wesley Toops of South Dakota. Sister Betty J. McGinnis, Willard, Missouri, sister-in-law Annie Toops and brother-in-law in law Bill L. Happeny of Columbus, Ohio., along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of life long friends.

Out of respect for Buddy's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services held. Following Cremation, burial will be at The Black Hills National Cemetery, Rapid City, South Dakota near Ellsworth Air Force Base at a later date. Family and friends may leave on line condolences with Davis Funeral Home, 6200 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada.

The family of Richard L Toops wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at St Rose Dominican Hospital, Siena campus, Nevada Heart and Vascular and Dr. Luana Pillon for his health needs.