It is with great sadness that the family of William Richard “Dick” Fene announces his passing on July 20, 2018 at the age of 86. Dick will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Patricia “Lyn”, and his children, Rolfe, Jeff and Andrea, by his four grandchildren, Evan, Brett, Luke and Regan, by his brother, Kim Fene, and his children Sandra, Mark and Deanna.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Dick attended high school in Silver Spring, Md. Dick earned his bachelors degree and played football at Cornell University, his masters degree from the University of Vermont and did doctoral work in Political Science at George Washington University, all while pursuing a distinguished career in the Army, where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years of service, including tours in Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. After leaving the military, Dick served as Adjunct Professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and supervised the McAlester office for the Oklahoma Department of Mines.
Dick’s lifelong avocations and passions were hunting and fishing. He started young and was still skilled in his later years, and made those who accompanied him better in the process. He never told an outdoorsman’s story that didn’t seem like it could be at least partially true, and never met a bird dog he didn’t like.
As a combat veteran, Dick has asked that his ashes be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will be accepting visitors at the home at 208 Shadow Wood Lane in Durant from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm on Friday, July 27.
Memorial donations in memory of Dick can be made to Ducks Unlimited U.S.A.