Richard H. Mcmahan

“It’s foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” – George S. Patton.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Harold “Mac” McMahan was born May 2, 1929 in Crookston, MN, and died over Memorial Day weekend on May 25, 2013 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1947. After high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1947 for two years. Following his discharge, he enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard for two years. He then attended North Dakota State University under the ROTC program and received his commission in June 1951. He enjoyed the Army enough to make it a career and entered into active duty service in October 1952, when he was sent to the 10th Infantry Division in Fort Riley, Kansas. He served two tours in Vietnam, in 1962 and 1967, as tactical and staff supervisor, and later as a district advisor. He returned to the U.S. in 1968 and served as Assistant Inspector General. During his service he earned a Bronze Star in his participation of the defense in the Tet Offensive of Christmas 1968 of the city of Hue.

While at NDSU, he met his future wife, Delores Estelle Ellenson. They were married in 1951 and had seven children. After Richard retired from the Army in 1971, he went on to teach high school history in Lake Park, MN. Richard was an avid military historian, hunter, fisherman, ancestry buff, a passionate stamp collector and a proud patriot. His admiration for World War II leaders molded him into the Army officer that he would eventually become. He strived to instill national pride, devotion to family and dedication to history in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Ella; and sister, Mary.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Delores; his children, Susan, Rick Carol, Rebecca, Michael, Sharon Debbie, Patricia, Phillip Lori; his grandchildren, Jennifer Andrew, Amanda Matthew, Ashley Lindsey, Ian, Sean; and his great-grandchildren, Landon, Evan and Lily.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.

An old warrior has fought his last battle. Gone, but not forgotten.

Funeral Service: Thursday, May 30, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service in the funeral home.
Interment: Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.