Retired Colonel Richard D. Humphreys, 85, who died Sunday, September 13, 2009, served in three wars and received numerous honors during more than a quarter century with the Marine Corps.For his distinguished service, he received the Silver Star Medal, the third highest honor bestowed by the Armed Forces, as well as the Bronze Star Medal for valor.
Among his many other decorations were the Purple Heart and Secretary of Defense Identification Badge.
Later, as a civilian resident of East Liverpool, Ohio, he found success as an attorney-at-law, real estate agent and community leader. He served as executive vice president and secretary of the East Liverpool Area Chamber of Commerce, president of the Rotary Club of East Liverpool and head of the Columbiana County Board of Realtors.
His active military service began with his enlistment on December 14, 1942, and ended with his retirement on April 30, 1970, as the director of legislative plans and coordination for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Humphreys, who was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., served in the American and Asiatic-Pacific theaters of operation during World War II. He also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
In 1998, he published “Triumph on 1240,” his history of the Marines of D Company 2nd Battalion 7th Marines 1st Marine Division in Korea.
He joined the Second Battalion 7th Marines in Korea on December 6, 1950. He was a platoon commander of the 3rd Platoon and later became the company executive officer until June 6, 1951, when he was wounded and evacuated to the hospital in Japan.
Humphreys belonged to Chapter 126 of the Korean War Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans, Dog Company 2nd Battalion Seventh Marines Association and American Legion Post 374.
He chaired the Private Industry Council of Mahoning-Columbiana Counties, the Southern Columbiana County Joint Services Employers Committee and Ohio Small Business Council Coordinating Board. He also served on the Ohio Governor’s Human Resources Advisory Council, Business Advisory Council of the National Alliance of Business, Advisory Committee for the Columbiana County Incubator and the Steering Committee of the Mahoning Valley Incubator.
Humphreys held degrees from Franklin & Marshall College, Penn State University’s Dickinson School of Law and the Naval War College.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Ann Louise Stewart Kerr Humphreys; daughter, Paula Humphreys Land, and her husband, Richard, of St. Jo, Texas; sons, David S. Kerr, and his wife, Victoria, of Ellicott City, Md., and James R. Kerr, and his wife, Marguerite of Medina; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister; and a brother.
His son, Richard D. Humphreys Jr., died July 10, 2009.
Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Dawson Funeral Home, 215 W. Fifth St., East Liverpool, where funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2009.
Condolences and more: www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published on ObitsOhio.com on Sept. 13, 2009.
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