E7 Master Sergeant, United States Airforce, Richard (Rick) Eugene Hommel, 65, passed away on
January 2, 2025. Rick was a veteran who served in the liberation of Kuwait, Desert Storm,
Desert Shield and Watch. Rick spent 21.5 years in the active duty with the AirForce.
MSgt. Hommel was born on December 16, 1959, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to his parents Willam
Edward Hommel and M. Joan Hommel. Rick was the youngest of four children. When he was
just 18, Rick decided he wanted to join the Airforce and signed up for delayed enlistment one
year before he graduated high school from Widefield High School in Colorado Springs,
Colorado, where he was an elite wrestler. Rick went to San Antonio, Texas for base camp and
was then first assigned to Mountain Home Airforce Base, Idaho. Rick then would go on to serve
at the Bitburg Air Base in Bitburg, Germany before his final assignment to Hill Airforce base in
Hill, Utah. During this time, he attended the Community College of the Air Force and graduated
with an associate’s degree in Applied Science. During this time, he met some of his closest
miliary friends.
During his early teen years, he met and fell for Hellene Kewley, who he married in Gulfport,
Mississippi on June 18, 1979. Together they travelled to many Countries and States. They shared
a love for Utah for many years and then settled down in Palmer Lake, Colorado. Rick and
Hellene shared forty-eight spectacularly loving adventurous, magical years alongside one
another.
After retiring from the United States Airforce, Rick started his career as a Customer Engineer
and Service Technician specializing in bank equipment. Rick’s vast knowledge of mechanical
functions and his forward-thinking strategies made him an invaluable part of the banking
industry for over twenty-six years. He will be gravely missed in the industry by so many of his
colleagues and customers.
When he wasn’t working, Rick had a passion for everything wildlife, fishing, travel and classic
cars. He could sit for hours waiting for wildlife to pass him by for an up-close look, he loved the
outdoors. Rick loved spotting any rouge wildlife but loved to spot Eagles from time to time! He
couldn’t wait to share his life stories with you and enjoyed sharing history with any open ear.
Rick loved to camp in the quiet peace of the Colorado Mountains in his two-person travel trailer.
The outdoors with family and friends was one of his happiest places.
Rick lived each day for his precious family. There wasn’t a task too great if it was for his family
or friends. They were his world, and he theirs.
MSgt. Hommel was an accomplished and honorable Aircraft Armament Specialist, a devoted
husband, a loving father, grandfather and brother. He is survived by his wife, Hellene, his two
Sons, Zachari Richard Hommel and Christian Thomas Hommel, Christian’s fiancé, Savannah
Moore, Father, William E. Hommel, Sisters, Lori VanDerwege and Jodi Van Allman, Brother-in-
Law, Ron Kewley, Grandsons, Carter Thomas Hommel and Ezekiel Richard Hommel, Extended
grandchildren, Don, Wesley, Madisyn and Kelci Burns. Extended Daughter, Kiri Burns and her
husband, Michael Burns and Extended Son, Casey Vardaro and his many extended family and
friends.

Rick is preceded in death by his mother, M. Joan Hommel, Daughter, Chantal Desiree Hommel,
Granddaughter, Aaliyah Joy Hommel, Niece, Jamie VanDerwege and brother, Robbi Hommel.
There will be a private service held at  2 PM, on January 25, 2025, at Palmer Lake Town Hall. The Hommel
family welcomes all stories, photos, and memories that Rick’s friends and colleagues would like
to offer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2.00 pm on Saturdau at Palmer Lake Town Hall, please contact
Tri-Lakes Funeral & Cremation for details.