Afterword

Dick passed away on January 8, 2005 at the age of 88. Among his many community involvements, he was a charter member of the Oaklawn Rotary Club in 1971. He had a perfect attendance and received the Paul Harris Fellow award for his service. He became a charter member of Hot Springs Golf and Country Club in 1956. He and Nita played golf up into their eighties. They were both avid University of Arkansas Razorback fans. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church where he served on the board of stewards. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a member of the National Wildlife Society and Ducks Unlimited. Although he never flew an airplane after the war, he owned a ski boat with large turquoise fins, which he “flew” across the lake when he took me and my sister water skiing. He learned to snow skiing at the age of 62. His motto was: “It would nice if everyone did something for someone else every day.” 

He continued to be interviewed by the newspapers and community and family members about his World War II experiences. The top photo appeared in a “Hot Springs Sentinel Record” article titled, “3 Former American POWs Count Their Blessing on This Holiday,” on December 25, 1959. The lower article, which includes his good friend, Dub Newman, appeared in the same publication on May 8, 1995 - Victory in Europe Day (and my sister's birthday).

Nita passed away on December 14, 2006 at the age of 86. She and my father had been married 63 years. She worked as bookkeeper for Oaklawn Hardware for 29 years. She also was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Ellis-Patterson Circle and Altar Guild. She was active in the Pilot Club, Junior Auxiliary, Progressive Club and Nitecappers. She was an avid reader and played bridge right up until the end.

They were know as “Pops” and “Nita” to their two daughters, Dixie Kline and Nitalynn Sigman; sons-in-law, Richard Kline and Bruce Sigman; and five grandchildren, Will Lee, Liberty Lee, Annabel Johnson, Matthew Harvey, and Laurel Smith. They are probably smiling down now on their great grandchildren: Garrett Lee, Elliott Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Wells Harvey, Caroline Harvey, Ollie Smith and “Soon to be here” Smith.

With their strong faith in God as an example to us, my father and mother taught us to always be kind to other people and to have courage in the face of adversity. They believed each day is a gift and should be enjoyed to the fullest. Theirs were lives well-lived for their faith, their family and their country.