Richard Dean Akre, 87, of Westover, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 25, 2025 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

He was the son of the late Gladys and Alfred Akre. Richard was born on September 24, 1937 in Glasgow, Montana. He grew up in a country life learning to work on the family farm. After high school, Richard earned his degree of Engineering from Montana State University. He began his career in the military by joining the Army in 1960 where he earned several medals including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Master Army Aviator Badge. Richard was a helicopter pilot and fixed wing operator serving tours in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. He retired from the military with the rank of Colonel. After the military, Richard was a pilot and flight engineer for Pan Am retiring in 1991.

Richard was a very detail-oriented person and an avid reader. He enjoyed to research where a story took place by using his road maps and atlas on a daily basis. He loved to tinker and repair items including his John Deere tractor which he kept in tip-top shape. He could take anything apart, repair it, and put it back together. He enjoyed working in the yard, taking drives, and keeping up with politics. He loved family gatherings and visitors, especially from his sister Janice.

Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ilse Akre; and his sisters, Judy Carr of Washington state and Janis (Bob) Bittner of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Richard was a loving stepdad of John "Buddy" Ward, III (wife Christy Frostrom), and Lisa Marie Ward all of Westover, MD. He is also survived by his step-grandson, Wesley Ward (Brittany) and step-great-grandchildren, Payden Brooke Ward and Paxton Wesley Ward, all of Crisfield, MD; and, his loving cat, "Kit-a-kat".

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Akre.

A funeral service will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11 AM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral home in Crisfield, MD where a viewing will be from 10:30-11 AM.  Rev. Harvey Tyler will officiate.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Somerset County Humane Society, P.O. Box 493, Princess Anne, MD 21853.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com