Las Vegas - RICHARD F. GEIGER

Col. Richard F. Geiger (retired), 1929-2026, Las Vegas, NV. We mourn the loss of our beloved dad and husband, Richard F. Geiger. Rich passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at UMC Hospital. He was married to his dear love of 24 years, Helge Lamb Geiger, and raised three sons with his first sweetheart, Rita B. Geiger. He was married to Rita 49 years until she passed away in 2001. Rich was born August 13, 1929, in New York City, to Francis A. Geiger and Frances M. (Quilty) Geiger. He is survived by his wife; Helge; three sons, Richard Jr. (Pam), Paul (Deby) and Mark (Nicole), three stepsons, ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His parents, first wife Rita, and brothers Raymond and Robert preceded him in death. After high school, he enrolled at Fordham College in New York City. At Fordham he joined the Air Force ROTC program and graduated with a business degree as a 2nd lieutenant. This led to his vocation as an Air Force fighter pilot, starting in the F-86 Sabre aircraft. After finishing pilot training in 1952, he flew 7 missions in the Korean War, and then continued his career and training in Louisiana, Texas, Kansas and Hawaii. He trained for the F-100 and the F-4 Phantom fighter jets, and flew 201 missions in the F-4 in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star. When he returned to his family in Hawaii, it was time to move on to the Naval War College in Rhode Island as the Air Force advisor. After that, his last move was to lead the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base. After the Air Force, he worked for the Girl Scout Council in Las Vegas and for St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City. Rich and Rita retired here in Las Vegas and spent their time enjoying the sunshine and visiting kids, family and friends in their motorhome. As a dad, he taught his sons a lot about honor, integrity and honest work. He had a tough exterior but a loving and tender heart underneath. He was also active for many years in his church, Crossroads Church in Henderson, NV. He was an original member of the church and its first treasurer. His faith in Jesus sustained him through the pains and crises of his life. Rich was a rock of faithfulness to his church family. He would be the first to offer help to anyone in need, to talk with someone about faith, or to fill a volunteer position. He participated in Bible study for many years, even later on when he could only do so by Zoom. Rich / Dad / Grandpa / Great-grandpa was an example to his family and to others of what faith looked like in a Christian. We will miss him so much and feel a big hole in our hearts now that he is gone. Goodbye, Rich, be with God and may we meet you again in heaven. A Celebration of Life service will be held on August 2 at 11:45 am at Crossroads Church, Henderson, NV, with a reception to follow. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in his name to the St. Jude Ranch for Children in Boulder City, NV.