Richard Dean Woolley

Richard Dean Woolley passed away at home in Rimrock on August 21, 2014 at the age of 84. He was born in Wynoka, Oklahoma on January 29, 1930 to Oliver R. and Mary E. Woolley. Richard spent his formative years in Coos Bay and Eugene, Oregon. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1951. He was injured on September 30, 1950 while serving aboard the USS Mansfield DD 728. The Mansfield and her sister ship, the USS L.K. Swenson were sent to assist a B-26 Bomber that was reported down in North Korean waters. While searching for the bomber his ship hit a mine. He received the Purple Heart award for his injuries sustained in this incident. He also received the Navy Unit Commendation. Richard married Madeline Homer in 1952. They lived in Oregon, Encinitas, California and Flagstaff, Arizona. Most of his working life was in the construction industry doing remodels, building single family homes and shopping centers. Richard was affiliated with the DAV, American Legion and the Purple Heart Association. Richard was preceded in death by his brothers Allen Woolley of Elmira, Oregon and Norman Woolley of Eugene, Oregon and his daughter Ronaye Williams of Hesperia, California. He is survived by his wife Madeline of Rimrock; three sons Raymond Woolley of Rimrock, Dean Woolley of Ashgrove, Missouri and Timothy Woolley of Flagstaff; sisters Louise Guerrero of Veneta, Oregon and Anne Sheldon of Creswell, Oregon; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. He loved his family and friends and in turn was loved by them. Graveside services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at 11:00am. An online guestbook is available to sign at www.westcottfuneralhome.com