Thomas Richard “Dick” Titus, 91, of LeRoy, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, surrounded by loved ones at his home in LeRoy.

Dick was born on Sept. 6, 1928, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to Raymond and Mildred Titus. He went to high school at Crawfordsville High School and graduated in 1947. Upon graduation, Dick farmed with his brother Bill until being drafted into the U.S. Army. After completing his time in the service, Dick entered Purdue University on the G.I. Bill. After graduation, Dick pursued a career in aviation. He went on to become a flight engineer on a Boeing 747, “the greatest airplane ever made,” for United Airlines, a career that he loved until his retirement. After retiring, Dick enjoyed many happy years at his ranch in Iowa, where he raised Angus cattle until full retirement in 2015. Dick came to Minnesota in November of 2016 with his wife, Julia. After she was diagnosed with ALS, they made the decision to stay in Minnesota to be cared for by family. When Julia passed away, Dick wanted to stay with his Minnesota family for the rest of his years.  He told many colorful stories of his childhood and his life that were enjoyed by neighbors, family, and friends in Minnesota. Dick had a quick wit and a delightful sense of humor, a sincere love of both jazz and gospel music, and a sweet tooth the size of Texas. There was no homemade pie that went untested or caramel shake that couldn’t be eaten! He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mildred; one brother, Bill; his first wife, Muriel; and his second wife, Julia. He is survived by his sisters, Barbara, Betty, Robert, Janice, Anna and Nancy; his brother, Robert; children, Cathy and Terry; and stepchildren, Daniel, Scott, Polly and Shannon. Dick had numerous nieces and nephews, fourteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Jim and his team of caregivers for their endless support and dedication over the past three years, especially in his final days, his beloved nephew, Dave and wife, Yasuko, and a special thank you to his great niece, Stephanie, as well as his special friends, Jan and Wayne Bowers.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, at Bethany Bible Church, 138 East Main Street in LeRoy.