It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of Richard C. Juarez on December 20, 2024, at the age of 76. Richard was born February 16, 1948, in Hanford, California to Dolores Castaneda and Manuel Nava and later adopted by Augustine Juarez. 

Richard met Colleen Juarez, the love of his life. while attending Bell Helicopter training in TX. They married on May 12, 1978, in Irving, TX. and later settled in California where they raised three children Richard, Nichole, and Michael. Throughout his life, Richard was enthralled with aviation and during his expansive career he was an ag pilot (crop duster), and a highly-skilled aviation maintenance craftsman and inspector. He operated his own aviation repair and restoration business for 50+ years and also worked on Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets as a Navy civilian employee. His hobbies included playing guitar, collecting model airplanes/engines, and antique restoration. However, what brought him the most joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as "Chops" & "Papa".

He is survived by his wife, Colleen; two sons and daughter, Richard, Michael, and Nichole; Son-in-law and Daughter-in-law, Josh, Anna Marie; two brothers, Edward, Mario; grandchildren Victoria, Elijah, Peter, Israel, Gideon, Asher, Isabeli, Judah, Noah, Madison, Geneveve.

In leu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the GoFundMe established on Richard's behalf by his many friends throughout the aviation community.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 27, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Bible Church in Portage with Rev. Jeremy Edmondson officiating. A visitation will be held at 10:30 A.M. until the time of service at church. Interment will be held at the Pardeeville Cemetery.