Lt. Colonel Richard "Rich" Warner Catlett

Lt. Colonel Richard “Rich” Warner Catlett, of Circleville, Ohio, a proud Vietnam veteran and devoted man of faith, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on December 20, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on July 24, 1936, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Floyd Jasper and Nannie (Stevens) Catlett, Richard lived a life of service, love, and unwavering strength.  He is survived by his three loving children: Don M. Catlett of Seminole, Florida; Kelly A. Catlett of Powell; and Richard E. Catlett (Barbara) of Powell. He leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Christina L. Catlett Wiseman (Eric) of Dublin, Lisa A. of Columbus, and Drew A. of Clintonville, Mollie A. Newberry (Blake) of Dublin, and his precious great-granddaughter Viviana A. of Dublin, and many beloved nieces and nephews in Alabama, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. Richard was preceded in death by his beautiful and devoted wife of almost 60 years, Charlene “Char” Catlett (2017); his parents; his brother Robert Floyd; and his sister Patricia Ann. Mom and Dad, we know you are together again, hand in hand. We love you both beyond words and miss you more than our hearts can say. Richard graduated from Mansfield Senior High School Class of 1954 and his undergraduate degree from Ohio University in 1971. He signed a minor league baseball contract with the Cleveland Indians farm team, Jacksonville Meats, Jacksonville, FL in 1954 as first baseman. Richard dedicated more than two decades of his life to serving his country with unwavering patriotism, retiring as Army Lieutenant Colonel in 1979. His journey began humbly in 1958 as an enlisted soldier, earning his commission as a second lieutenant after graduating from the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning in 1959. Richard’s distinguished Army career spanned infantry leadership, Arabic language expertise, and vital military intelligence roles, marked by extraordinary skill, intellect, and sacrifice. He commanded soldiers at Fort Knox, led interrogation teams supporting elite airborne divisions at Fort Bragg, provided critical intelligence in South Korea and Saudi Arabia, headed special security units in Alaska, and commanded teams in Vietnam that supported U.S. divisions and allied forces from Australia and Thailand. A graduate of the Command and General Staff College, Rich held key positions with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Defense Intelligence Agency. In his final role as Operations Officer for the U.S. Army Special Security Group in Washington, D.C., he oversaw global intelligence support. Richard was honored for his exemplary service with some of the Armys highest distinctions, including the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. He also earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, multiple Vietnam Service Medals, the Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Additionally, he received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. Richard was a longtime member of St. John Church in Stoutsville, where he served for many years as Lay Leader, Senior Sunday School teacher, and past President of the Administrative Board. He was also a proud life member of the AMVETS, the Elks, and Masonic Lodge No. 10 in Anchorage, Alaska. Above all, Richard cherished his brothers in arms from his years of military service. Now, he is joyfully reunited with those who went before him, at peace in the company of his beloved comrades. Dad, your faith, your service to others, and your boundless love for your fellow veterans inspire us always. We are so very proud of the man you were.The family would like to thank Abbington of Powell Assisted Living and all the wonderful staff who loved and took such good care of Dad these last 3 years. Richard will be laid to rest at Forest Cemetery. Visiting hours at Wellman funeral home will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steven Krumm officiating with burial to follow in Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to a charity of your choice to our beloved Veterans. From Dad: See you in Paradise. We love you always and forever, Dad.