Richard Charles Manzke

Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) Richard Charles Manzke was born on January 29, 1935 in Bronx, New York to Albert and Emma Manzke and passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026 in Thomasville, Georgia. Richard was a devoted servant of God, a proud patriot who served his country with honor, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy was his family.

Richard was raised in New York City by his German immigrant parents, where faith, family, and fellowship formed the foundation of his life. During a church service in his early teens, he met the love of his life, Helene, and was instantly captivated by her pigtails. Their lifelong love story began there, and they were married on November 7, 1956. Together they embraced the military life for the next 27 years, serving wherever duty called, including two tours in Vietnam, assignments in Germany and Italy, and numerous assignments throughout the United States.

Richard enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 as a communications specialist before entering the Warrant Officer Flight Training Program in the early 1960s. Known for his steady temperament, calm judgment, and quiet confidence, he was exceptionally suited for the demands of army aviation. Over a distinguished 35-year career as both a U.S. Army Warrant Officer aviator and later a civil servant pilot, he accumulated more than 15,000 flight hours in a wide variety of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

When he wasn't flying, Richard enjoyed gardening, working on cars, and officiating at his daughter's swim meets. In retirement, he spent many happy hours fishing and boating on the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound, volunteering at church, spoiling and taking care of his grandchildren, and sharing time with friends and loved ones.

Richard is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Eve and Dennis Geyer; his granddaughter, Kathleen Geyer and her husband, Cody Jenner; his grandson, Andrew Geyer; and countless nieces and nephews who were dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Helene Manzke; his parents, Albert and Emma Manzke; his brother, Freddy Manzke; and his sister, Ruth Malatino.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 7th at 11 am at Legacy Village Assisted Living Facility, 220 Park Ave. Thomasville, GA 31792. It will be officiated by Pastor Scott Stanfill, the Senior Pastor at Thomasville First Methodist Church.