Richard Lester Diaz Sr., age 97 of Abilene, Texas, passed away on December 1, 2025. Richard was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on December 17, 1927, to Leopoldo and Concepcion Diaz. He grew up surrounded by 9 siblings and said, "I had a great family! We were all there for each other."

He was drafted and enlisted in the US Army at the age of 18, serving with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and had fond memories of being a paratrooper and a medic. He was a very proud American and knew that serving his country was the right thing to do. When asked if he saw combat, he said, "When the Germans heard I enlisted…they signed the armistice."

Richard led an adventurous life, pursuing his passions. He cherished the Colorado mountains, spending many years working and residing in the Rockies, and was an enthusiastic skier. He eagerly shared his deep knowledge and meticulous attention to detail with family and friends. He doubted he would live to see the Denver Broncos win a Super Bowl, but when they did, he carried on with undiminished spirit.

He was a hard worker and never liked not working. He would try any job once–and often did. He was still employed at age 92, working for the State of Texas. He was a Pueblo Fire Department paramedic, a traveling salesman, a retail salesman, a bar owner, and a prolific restaurant cook. He owned and operated Gringos bar and grill in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Rick's Blue Moon bar in Abilene, Texas.

He worked hard off duty too, maintaining his home, his cars, and fixing anything that broke. He loved cooking at home, on a campfire, and especially cooking with others. He is known far and wide for his onion-cutting skills, for which there was no match.

He is survived by his daughter Christine Smith (Michael), sons Richard Jr. (Marla) and Mark (Michelle). Five grandsons, Chad, Curt, Trent, Tyler, Brad, and three granddaughters, Michelle, Julie, and Marissa, and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leopoldo and Concepcion Diaz; sisters, Elaine Cruz, Vera Apodaca, Sophie McIlwain, and Irene Carillo; and brothers, Joaquin, Manuel, Jose, Luther, Leo, and Joe.

Richard had a plethora of one-liners that he always said at the right moment.  For example: "What are you…wise, or otherwise?" He could find the silver lining in any storm cloud, and he saw many.  For much of his life, Richard was a world-class whistler, with a repertoire of songs that could be performed on any stage. Richard will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. It will be hard to think about Richard and not smile.

Richard will be laid to rest at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas, with military honors at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Zaragoza Reception Hall, 1339 E. Routt Ave., Pueblo, Colorado with a lunch reception following at noon.

Memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity.