Richard "Rich" Elton Hanes, born April 1, 1947 in Des Moines, Iowa, passed away April 26, 2014 of natural causes in Rock Island, Illinois.After graduating from Lakewood High School in Colorado, Richard joined the United States Air Force in 1965. During two tours of duty in Vietnam, he was highly regarded for his mechanical work on fighter jets, working with his crews to keep the jets flying. During his nine years of military service, Richard also taught aviation mechanics school and was eventually promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Richard then spent many years living and working in Iowa and Colorado, where he especially enjoyedfishing in Colorado'smountain streams. He finally landed in Rock Island, Illinois where he met and married the love of his life, Diane Krukowski. In their 18 years together, Rich and Diane greatly enjoyed their grand kids, gardening and their many cats.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Norma Hanes of West Des Moines, IA; daughter by marriage Sheila (Darrell Turek) Krukowski of Faribault, MN;grandchildren by marriage Samantha, Aimee, Logan and great-grandson Oliver; sister Diana (Mike) Montinguise of Urbandale, IA; brothers Dennis (Sally) Hanes of Waukee, IA and Doug (Marcia) Hanes of Aurora, CO; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his father Joseph Hanes; his beloved wife Diane (Krukowski) Hanes;and his son by marriage Steven Krukowski.

Memorial services are to be held at the Iles-Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA on Saturday, May 3rdat 4 p.m. with family receiving friends one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks donations be made to AA or to any military veteran's assistance program.

Online condolences may be left for the family at IlesCares.com