Richard F. Schwabe

Richard (Dick) Frank Schwabe, 89, died March 23 peacefully at home. He was born and raised in Cleveland where he loved playing football at John Adams High. He also played for Kent State University. While in college he obtained his pilot's license.

He joined the Air Corp in '43 and flew "The Hump" over the Himalaya Mts in WWII with the Air Transport Command. As described in a recent tribute to Dick in Joe Murray's The Old and the Bold at storiesthatfly.com, "Mention ‘the Hump' to a room full of 21st century pilots and they will soon become quiet. None present will have ever strapped into an unarmed, underpowered C-47 to haul cargo, horses, and troops. Nor could they imagine the dangers in the 530 mile long passage over the Himalayan Mts. No radar, no navaids, and no way to climb much higher than the mountain tops - so Schwabe frequently flew around or between them in some of the worst conditions known to flying….His logbooks are an encyclopedia of flight. 45,000 hours in the air in every conceivable machine with wings."

After the war Dick completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Kent State. He taught and coached at Randolph, Aurora, and Tallmadge high schools, and loved each one. His influence lasted a lifetime, as many of his students remained in contact his entire life.

He returned to Kent in '66 where he helped establish KSU's current flight program, flew acrobatics in several local airshows, and served as a flight instructor and F.A.A. Examiner for 40 years. The university honored Dick as Professor Emeritus in the College of Technology, Aerospace department.

Many will remember "Schwabie" as Pool Director at the Montrose Swim Club, Monroe Falls Lake Park, and Tamsin Park. As a Red Cross Board Member and Water Safety Instructor Trainer, he received a 45-yr Outstanding Service Award in 1996.

In 1997, 150 former flight students, now successful pilots and flight specialists, returned from 45 states and 4 countries to Kent for a surprise Testimonial Reunion in Dick's honor. It was said to him then, "There isn't one of us here who hasn't at some time in crisis remembered a word of caution or advice from you. We thank you for being our teacher, our mentor, our friend, and there are hundreds more who share our gratitude." This is Dick's legacy.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Jean, 4 children Ric (Jan), Dan (Lennie), Jenny (Jim), and John (MaryJean), 6 grandchildren Liesl, Paul, Chelsea, Chris, Megan, Sarah, great grandchild Pico with 2 more on the way, and dear friend Sue.

Per Dick's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family has planned a private gathering, and there will be no calling hours.

The KSU Richard F. Schwabe Endowed Scholarship Fund #15522 was established a few years ago to help students with a love of flying achieve their dreams in honor of Dick's passion for teaching and flying. Donations can be made by calling 330-672-2222 or by mail made out to Kent State Foundation Fund#15522, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH, 44242 Attn: John DeCola. Contributions to this fund, or any charity of choice, would be appreciated.

Fly away, Dick, to some "high untrespassed sanctity of space", for you can touch the face of God!