Richard Whetstone

Master Sergeant Richard Whetstone, U.S. Army, Retired, was born on February 19, 1941, in Kellyton, Alabama to his loving parents, Deacon Artis and Claudie Mae Whetstone. MSG (Ret.) Whetstone, age 78, died on July 7, 2019, after an extended illness.

MSG (Ret.) Whetstone was drafted into the United States Army in December 1963 and completed two tours during the Vietnam War with the 500th Engineer Brigade. Throughout his twenty-five year military career, he served as a Combat Engineer and Bridge Specialist. MSG (Ret.) Whetstone completed three overseas assignments in Germany, as well as several assignments throughout the U.S. before retiring at Fort Belvoir in 1988. He earned several awards and decorations, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Overseas Service Ribbon (4), Army Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3) and Army Good Conduct Medal. Following his military retirement MSG (Ret.) Whetstone worked as the Business Manager at Fort Belvoir???s NCO club until 2008.

MSG (Ret.) Whetstone was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a patient and loving father, caring brother and proud grandfather. He had a passion for American made sports cars and classics. He loved playing Bingo, traveling to Alabama to connect with friends and family and watching both college and professional sports. He was a loyal fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Washington Redskins and other Washington sports teams.

MSG (Ret.) Whetstone was preceded in death by his parents, Artis and Claudie Mae Whetstone; and three brothers, Artis Whetstone, Jr., William Whetstone and Donald Ray Whetstone. He is survived by his daughters, LaVerne (Alexander) Anenia and Denise Whetstone; his grandchildren, Taylor, Jacob and Julianna; and his great-grandchildren, Makai and Zayden. He is also survived by his siblings, Charles (Bernice) Whetstone, Johnny (Evelyn) Whetstone, Mary Whetstone and Tommie (Elaine) Whetstone; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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