Lt. Col. Richard P. Mueller U.S.A.F., retired, 88, of Lake Villa, Carlyle, formerly of Aviston, died Saturday, October 21, 2006, at his home. He was born September 14, 1918 in St. Louis, MO, son of Vincent G. and Agnes M. (Fisher) Mueller. He married Vera Springfield on May 28, 1936 in Beaumont, TX and she preceded him in death on May 19, 1998.

He is survived by one son, Richard P. Mueller II and wife Nancy of Pierron; two daughters, Marilyn A. Powers and husband Larry of Marissa and Carol Nelson and husband Mike Castle of Moore, OK; nine grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Vincent Mueller and Robert Mueller and one sister, Marie McCollum.

He was a Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force, serving in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1960 after 22 years of service. He was a member of St. Francis Parish, the Retired Officers Association and the American Legion Post 1239 in Aviston.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston with Rev. Dan Friedman officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2006 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at Hempen Funeral Home in Aviston. There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.