Richard Melvin Brent, born in Chicago, December 20, 1938, the oldest of three sons born to Melvin and Betty Brent. Dick was raised in Chicago, graduated from Schurz High School and attended the University of Illinois. He was a retired Vietnam Naval aviator and an American Airlines pilot for 29 years. He retired as a Captain in September 1998. Dick lived in Roselle, IL for many years. He died September 17, 2000 while flying, with his brother Mel, in a private aircraft outside Boulder, CO. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his mother, Betty; his brother, Elwood; his children, Wes, Rich, Matt and Amy; his four grandchildren, Nikki, Billy, Sara and Josh. A Memorial Service was held September 22, 2000 in Boulder, CO. A celebration of Dick’s lifed is planned for Saturday, Oct. 21, 2000, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant at Palwaukee Airport in Wheeling, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Assoc., Young Eagles (EAA) or Gray Eagles.
