Richard Kilmer

Richard Allen Kilmer passed away Thursday, September 15, 2011 at home in Wylie, TX with his sister, Joan Kilmer Morris and nephew Kelly by his side. He was born August 19, 1943 in Albuquerque, NM. He fought the battle against prostate and colon cancer for over 6 years before he finally gave up the fight.

Richard excelled in music at Clovis High School as first chair clarinet under the direction of Mr. Norvel Howell. He continued his studies at Eastern NM University and the University of New Mexico. He also received a full scholarship and fellowship to the University of Cincinnati. He sat first chair clarinet at all the universities.

During the Vietnam War Richard took time out to proudly serve in the military in the U.S. Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, Maryland and then to Washington, D.C.

After the military, Richard returned to Albuquerque where he earned his bachelors degree in Architecture and Design and his Masters degree in Music with the love of his life being his clarinet although he played the saxophone just as well.

Richard designed and built many beautiful homes in Atlanta, Georgia and East Texas. He also designed and built the first solar home in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the same time he built homes, he also taught music lessons to students in the Cincinnati and Dallas areas. Some of his students were accepted at the Julliard School of Fine Arts in New York.

He is survived by his daughters Brenda Kilmer of Colorado, Cyndi Owens of Arizona, and Melanie Scott Klann of California grandchildren Sidney, Sabastian, Aiden, Arianna, Leah, Lexi, and Levi his other mother, Dortha Ray Kilmer of Melrose, NM. and with seven other brothers and sisters located throughout the U.S. Richards sister Joan Kilmer Morris she has two sons Anthony, Kelly and one daughter Julie Kosel all of Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Kilmer of Melrose and Arlene EdmonstonKilmer Burns of Clovis and Albuquerque his grandparents, Salomon Kilmer and Lottie Belle Smith Kilmer of Melrose and Raymond E. Edmonston and Mary Yoder Edmonston of St. Vain and one sister, Billie Sue Gray.

Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at SteedTodd Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Herbert Bergstrom officiating.

Instead of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to prostate and colon cancer research. Our loving prayers go out to Richard and all the families who are affected by this dreaded disease.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 800 E. Manana Blvd., Clovis, NM 88101, 575 7635541. Visit www.steedtodd.com to sign the online guest register.

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