The family of Richard Edwin Theis, aka Gumby has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their Hero for his military service and accompany him to his final resting place, we are privileged to do so.
Richard was born December 29, 1955 in Ridgewood, NJ and passed away on February 24, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen T. Theis in 1998, and Walter W. Theis in 1991, and his sister Virginia Ginny Shellorne in 2019.
Rich grew up in Parsippany, NJ; Silvermine, CT and Wycoff, NJ. He served 4 years in the USAF from 1974-1978 where he was stationed at Vandenberg AFB, CA. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.
After he left the military, he stayed in the tiny coastal town of Lompoc, CA until moving to Little Rock, AR in 2020. He retired from the sheet metal industry after almost 50 years in the industry, after he was affected by Guillain Barre and Transverse Myelitis, rendering him paraplegic in 2016.
Rich was an avid gun collector and pro-marksman; he was into racing at the Santa Maria Speedway and served 3 years as the Post 211 Commander in Lompoc. He was very into BBQ'ing and put his sheet metal talents to work building several BBQ trailers. He built a 1968 Pro-street Mercury Cougar that won many trophies across the state of CA.
He was known for his big heart, great care and compassion he always had for others, and his goofy sense of humor. His brother Bob had a very special bond with this remarkable man. Richard leaves an unbelievably huge void in this world. By thinking of him, talking about him and displaying photos of him he will have a measure of immortality!
Richard is survived by his wife of almost 23 years, Kim R. Theis, brother Robert Theis, sister Marilyn Decker, 2 children, Richard W. Theis and Kathleen D. Theis, 2 stepchildren Tiffany R. Teague and Nicole (Chris) Matthews, and 7 grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero from the family home to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Time Table for Saturday, 23 APR 22:0845 - Stage at American Legion Post 211, 636 N. H St., Lompoc, CA 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/tDniFdxYBWBQWLJW80900 - Mission briefing
0915 - KSU travel to family Home (address given during briefing)
0930 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero from home to awaiting Motorcycle for his last ride
0935 - KSU to Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery, 600 S. C St., Lompoc, CA 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/38Cs53W9TyAwoGJy90945 - Graveside Service, Flag Line and Military Honors
In Honor.
R/C James Baugh
PGR RC So. Central, Ca.US Army Retired
912-222-7572
Baugh4golf@aol.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
