Dick Cagle passed away February 2, 2013 in his home in Austin after a courageous battle with dementia.
He was born November 11, 1931 to Alberta and George Cagle in Bartlett, Texas, the youngest of five brothers. Dick was an outstanding football and basketball player at Bartlett High School and graduated from Southwest Texas State in 1954 with the degree in Biology/Chemistry. He was an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow. Commissioned in the US Marines, he found his passion as a Naval Aviator. He served in numerous billets throughout his twenty year career, including two tours in Vietnam where he earned the Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. He forever viewed himself as a Marine Corps Fighter Pilot. Returning to Austin, he enjoyed ten years as manager of the Henry Moore Subaru Agency. He was a proud 30 gallon blood donor for the Central Texas Blood Bank and an avid Longhorn fan, holding both football and basketball season tickets for almost thirty years. He married his high school sweetheart, Bill Cryer, with whom he celebrated a devoted marriage of fifty-seven years.
He expended great love and pride on his wonderful family which included three sons: Clint Cagle and his wife, Donna; Rich Cagle and his wife, Janice; and Bruce Cagle. His grandchildren were such a source of love and delight for him: Chris Gilbertson and her husband, Todd, Cheryl Rister and her husband, Brian; Ryan, George, Hannah, Daniel, and Nathan Cagle and three great-grandchildren, Abby and Emma Rister and Jordyn Gilbertson.
Dick’s life reflected great strength of character: integrity, generosity, friendliness, and a remarkable sense of humor. His life reflected the Marine Corps Officers’ phrase, “Ductos Exemple,” to lead by example. He truly led by example for his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Boulevard, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, California 92057 or visit www.semperfifund.org, or another charity of your choice . Professional services entrusted to Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas.
Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
Published in Austin American-Statesman on February 5, 2013