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Charles Richard Wainwright

Charles Richard Wainwright, age 96, of Houston, Texas died July 27, 2019. After being bid goodbye by family and friends in Houston, he was brought to Olney to be laid to rest next to his brother L.L. “Cotton” Wainwright. Military gravesites were held by the family at 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 31, at Restland Cemetery in Olney with Rev. Harrell Braddock pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Military honors were presented by the American Volunteer Reserves of Young County. Arrangements are under the directions of Lunn Funeral Home of Olney.

Richard was born on October 22, 1922 in Newcastle, Texas to the late William Carl and Willie Ida (Leberman) Wainwright. He was part of the 86 member Olney High School Graduating Class of 1941. His 3 brothers and 4 sisters also graduated Olney High School. After graduating, Richard was employed by Consolidated Aircraft Corp. at Fort Worth before entering the service (World War II) He satisfactorily completed the course of instruction prescribed by Pilot Training at the Army Air Base La Junta, Colorado and received a Diploma and the rank of Lieutenant December 5, 1943. He was later promoted to Captain while serving with the Twelfth Air Force B-25 Mitchell Bombardment Group operating in Corsica. While serving he piloted over 50 Bombing Missions and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross (highest aviation award ever given) with 1 gold leaf cluster and the Air Medal with 8 clust ers.

After being honorably discharged from the service in 1945 he attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Somewhat later he was hired by Montgomery Ward along with 6 others to strengthen their merchandizing staff in Fort Worth. In the late 60’s he was relocated to Montgomery Wards in Houston. After retiring from Wards he continued to live in Houston (over 50 years in all).

Richard is survived by two brothers, Don Wainwright and John J. Wainwright of Olney, Two sisters, Carla Perry , Olney and Bette Biter, Plano Texas, Nephews; Richard Morgan, Wayne Morgan, Nieces; Jean Tyson, Carolyn Cavasas, Kay Meschkat, Kenda Biter, Deborah German, Marilyn Dixon and Trina Johnson.