Richard Loyd Dittmar

Richard Loyd Dittmar passed away July 11, 2010 on his 65th birthday in San Diego, CA, after a short battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born in Cortez, CO and became a lifelong resident of El Paso, TX. Richard graduated from Ysleta High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Colorado State University and a Masters Degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin University. He served in the U.S. Army as an Air Defense Artillery Officer. After a 4-year career with Billy the Kid, he entered the restaurant business opening his first Sir Lion Family Steakhouse in 1976 and after 17 years of successfully owning and operating several restaurants, he sold them. He then began a new career with Mutual of Omaha in 1995 as an independent Sale Representative until his death. Richard was an active member of Unity Church El Paso for 20 years which fortified his Christian belief. He was instrumental in the growth and expansion of Unity Fellowship. Richard’s love for the outdoors led him to enrich the El Paso’s community with active involvement in the development of Keystone Heritage Park. An accomplished adventurer, Richard’s most recent love was sailing. He served as Commodore for the Rio Grande Sailing Club and participated in numerous races, regattas and sailing in the Caribbean. Other hobbies included tennis, hiking, camping and especially playing Texas Hold ‘em. Richard is survived by his wife, Susan Knight, his son, Mark T. Dittmar (wife Laura), his daughter, Amy Zoe Voisenat (husband Mike), his grandchildren Abby and Jack Dittmar (mother Christine Dittmar), his step-daughter Monica Knight Sapien (husband Rene, daughters Samantha and Kathy) siblings Dee Rogers, Darrell Rogers, Jean McKiddie, Kent Rogers, David Neeley as well as many life long friends. Preceeded in death by his loving parents Harold and Lucretia (Loyd) Dittmar, siblings Keith Taylor, Bill Rogers, Fredrick Rogers, Jim Rogers, Jesse Rogers and Darlene Dodson. In lieu of flowers, donation to: Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, suite F, #227, 1659 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA 95118. Celebration of his Life Service is schedule at Sunset Funeral Home-West on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 12:00. Private interment will take place at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.