Richard P. Trast

Richard P. Trast was born in GooseLake, Iowa on October 9, 1929. He grew up in several locations in the US due to his dad's employment and then settled in Kansas City, Kansas and attended University of Kansas. Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2d Lt in the USAF Officers Training School. He served on active duty and then continued his service in the USAF Reserves flying the C-119 and C-124 until he attained retirement. He served in both Korea and Vietnam flying numerous missions in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Theater. Richard retired from the USAFR in grade of Lt Colonel after 28 years active and reserve duty. He pursued his calling as an educator in his civilian career serving in many different positions including school principal and superintendent. Richard holds a doctorate in Education and Administration from University of Kansas. After numerous years in the Shawnee Mission Kansas School District his civilian career took him to towns including Vail, CO, Billings, MT, Wray, CO, and finally Bailey, Colorado meeting many people and students along the way who he remembered fondly. After 32 years in the schools he retired, and was elected County Commissioner in Park County, CO and then continued to assist Park County as a counselor to those with domestic violence issues. He pursued his love of educating students of all ages and this gave him great satisfaction throughout his life. This satisfaction merely increased with the addition of his grandchildren. Richard enjoyed all aspects of flying, traveling, and working with young people. He is a published poet and will be remembered for his caring demeanor and humorous outlook on life. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Gracie Trast, his brother Jim Trast and his wife Sue, his children Mark Trast, Elise Lee, Scott Trast, Kara Trast, and step-son Jerry Haines and his wife Nicoloe and six grandchildren: Megan, Darin, Javin, Hunter, Tyler, and Chase. Many sisters and brothers-in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, many other relatives and a host of friends.