Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Glenn Richey, Sr. USAF retired, died June 2, 2004 after a lengthy illness. He was 81 years old.
Military graveside services will be 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 4, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. The Southeast Texas Veterans’ Service Group will be providing the military honors.
Sergeant Richey was a gunner on a B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber during World War II. He was shot down over France flying his 23rd mission. A French farmer and his family took him in until a safe house could be found. He joined the French underground and was planning to cross the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain and then eventually back to England. However, Sergeant Richey was captured by the Nazis in occupied Paris. Accused of espionage and being a spy he was sent to Buchenwald concentration camp.
Later, he was transferred to a prison camp in Mooseberg, Germany where he was liberated by U.S. troops led by General George S. Patton. For his efforts during World War II he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. After the war he was involved in the Berlin Airlift. He also participated in the Cuban missile crisis. Late in his career he served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Sergeant Richey may have been the only U.S. troop to have survived Buchenwald and then later serve in Vietnam. He was the last Texan to have survived Buchenwald.
Thomas "Glenn" Richey Sr. was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Violet Mellen Richey. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have four children:
Marilyn Mallory of Friendswood, Chestine Box of Antioch Oklahoma, Thomas Glenn Richey Jr. of Houston and Robert Richey of Beaumont. The Richey's had seventeen grandchildren and a small army of great grandchildren.
At Thomas’ request, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the organization of your choice.
