Richard W. (Dick) Verell

Born: 09/06/1931   Died: 07/03/2023

Parents: Hazel Hamilton Verell & Robert Harrison Verell

The youngest of five children, Dick was born at Roanoke, VA and attended Roanoke Public Schools, graduating in 1949.

He attended the University of Virginia and served three enlistments in the U.S. Army. This included one year in Thule, Greenland as a Radar Specialist when terms like "UFO" were being coined to interpret what was being viewed on radar.

Second and third years were spent in Honshu, Japan, working principally in radar and radio communications.

Verell spent several years at White Sands, NM proving grounds studying affects of radiation on various materials. Part of the White Sands deployment was spent at Fort Bliss near El Paso.

In his 3rd enlistment, he worked mostly at Cape Canaveral, FL in radar installations.

Discharged in 1963 as Sergeant 1st class, Verell received numerous commendations for outstanding performance in several radar and radio operations.

He spent eighteen years employed at Rockwell-Collins Radio Division in Dallas, TX, contracting work for that company in Australia, Saudia Arabia, and numerous European countries. He later worked as a private contractor in the same field, known as logistics engineering. He often brought foreign troops to the Dallas area for training in use of the equipment purchased.

Verell married Dr. Ellen (Merkle) Boyd, June 23, 1982, in Dallas. Taking early retirement, the couple moved to Meade County in 1986 where they cared for Ellen's mother during her final years.

Verell was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters and two brothers, all of Roanoke, VA.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen, of Meade County and daughter Camille Verell of Dallas, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Survivors in KS include step-son Brad (Sandra) Boyd, step grandchildren Emily and Jack Boyd, Rosanne (Kevin) Price, their children Audrey and Sam; in Canyon, TX, Leah (Wade) Davis and daughters Kate and Elizabeth.

Survivors in the Tulsa, OK area include step-daughter, Barbara Boyd, and grand-daughter Jennifer (Jason) Oliver.

Organizations: Promise Keepers, Men's Prayer Breakfast, St. Andrew's of the Cross, Lions Club Intl., Rotary International and numerous other groups related to business and churches.

Dick's credo was Micah (6:8)

"He has shown you what is good. What does the Lord require of you?

"To act justly in mercy and humbly to walk with your God."

Memorial graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 4, 2023, at Graceland Cemetery, Meade.