My Husband and Hero Rick Mowles
Richard A. “Rick” Mowles, 68, was born in October of 1948 in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Rick spent his early years on a farm near Roanoke and during High School he was an outstanding athlete where he lettered in football and track. During his senior year of High School Rick was the 1966 Virginia 1-B High School State Track Champion in the 440-yard dash. After graduating from Cave Spring High School, Rick went on to attend Ohio State University from 1966-1967 on a track scholarship.
Rick received the call for service in 1967 and served for 4 years in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. While enlisted, Rick served twenty-one months as a weapons platoon sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. Rick was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1971 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was a proud Marine Corps veteran.
In 1971 Rick married Michelle Kenley in Roanoke, VA. From this marriage three children were born. Rick and Michelle later divorced.
After serving his country Rick went back to Ohio State University and later graduated with a BS degree in Zoology, following a comprehensive premedical curriculum. Rick later furthered his education and received a Doctorate in Chiropractic from National College of Chiropractic and another BS degree in Human Biology. Rick was skilled in his field of medicine and achieved Diplomats Board certification in Applied Kinesiology from the International College of Applied Kinesiology and Diplomats Board certification in Orthopedics from the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists. This was followed by attendance of postdoctoral seminars from Harvard College of Medicine.
Rick served as the Director of the Roanoke Chiropractic Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia for seventeen years. He treated numerous celebrities during his career including the late Mohammed Ali, the Grateful Dead, and the late Alexander Godunov with the New York Ballet. Rick had numerous research papers published during his career and in 1985 he won the International College of Applied Kinesiology’s research paper of the year award. Rick retired from his chiropractic practice in 1993 due to chronic delayed combat post-traumatic stress disorder that he had developed after his experience on the battle fields of Vietnam.
In 1994 Rick met Marnie Eure in Virginia. They married in 1998 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Rick and Marnie lived in Virginia, Colorado, and Montana, including Marion, Townsend, and most recently Helena. Conversations with Rick were always extraordinary due to his interest and knowledge in a variety of topics. Rick was an expert marksman, archer, was skilled in martial arts, and was a master gun stock engraver. Rick was a member of the South Hills Church of Christ. Rick is Marnie’s hero, now and forever.
Rick is survived by his wife Marnie of Helena, his sister Sandi Adkins of Virginia, his children Tami Mowles of Virginia, Justin Mowles of Delaware, Jennifer Mowles of Pennsylvania, several grandchildren, and special friend Shihan Dennis Dallas of Helena who was Rick’s Hapkido martial arts instructor.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Wounded Warrior Project, c/o MT Supporting Soldiers, P.O. Box 4964 Helena, MT 59604 or to The Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604. Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Rick.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:30 p.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Friday April 28, 2017
South Hills Church of Christ
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:30 p.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Friday April 28, 2017
South Hills Church of Christ
2294 Deerfield Lane
Helena , Montana 59601
Share
Deborah Painter Ellis says
So very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.
Jean Krupa says
I am so sorry for your loss, may your memories of him and the caring thoughts of others give you comfort. My deepest sympathy. Jean
Dana Morgan says
Dear Marnie, so sorry for this sad loss. I pray you can find some comfort at this sad time. My thoughts are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy to you.
Roger Moreau USMC A 1/9 says
Semper Fidelis and Rest In Peace 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment Marine.
Patricia Given says
My dear friend Marnie, you are in my thoughts, heart, prayers, ~now and always in your great sorrow and loss of your husband and hero Rick. XoX
Linda & Sam Cheever says
We are so saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. We are amazed at the many distinguished achievements of his life. We honor especially his service to our country in Vietnam. We can see why you are so proud of him. You are in our thoughts and prayers Marnie!
john mele says
R.I.P. brother Marnie i’m sorry for your loss
William Meredith says
Rest in peace Uncle Rick. May you finally find the calm you always were seeking.
Sharon Doig says
I was so sorry to learn of Rick’s passing. I knew of his time in service and PTSD, but had no idea of all his accomplishments. My continued prayers for you at this difficult time.
MICHAEL M & Penny Jenkins says
Marnie we are so sorry for the passing of Rick, your hero, your husband and our friend. So many chats I had with him on the back row of Trailhead, before church started. Talked a lot of football. Always had a comment about Ohio State, and I would smile and say ok I understand, but that is my least favorite team, he would still smile. So glad we knew him. Now he is home and shall know peace always. Marnie you will remain in our prayers, trust always in God and He will be your comfort.
Mike and Penny Jenkins
Tamara Mowles says
I love you Dad. May you find peace eternally.
Love
Tamara Michelle Mowles
Tony Fialkowski says
Rick my dear friend & confidant,,,, I was crushed to hear of your passing. When Our Lord decides it’s my time to join you,,,, we’ll continue our conversations. My sincere condolences to Marnie & your other family members. Rest in Piece & Semper Fidelis
Chase Ragen says
Rick was a great friend, a Patriot, and an awesome Christian brother! A week before I deployed to Afghanistan in 2013; Rick and Marnie came out to our home and spent some time with my family. He was genuinely concerned to make sure I had everything I needed for this tour. He gave me a pendent in which I still carry to this day. On the pendent ” there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling, for he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep in all thy ways.” Psalms 91:10-11
Thank you Rick for being who you were! I will see you soon my brother,
~Chase
Clairice says
I am profoundly saddened to know you are no longer here, but thankful that you are now free of the sorrows of this life and look forward to seeing you again! I will miss talking to you(always a stimulating conversation) and hearing your infectious laugh. Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.
Marnie, Rick was and will ever be your hero. He was such a fine man. My heart breaks for you. I will be holding you close in thought and prayer and I am so thankful for those who are nearby and able to be there for you. And always remember that I am only a phone call away. Love you, girl.
Maggie Sticklen says
Marnie, my love and prayers that God will provide strength and comfort to you for the many days ahead! I know how much you love Rick and you will always carry him in your heart! Maybe he’ll raise a glass with “my Josh” today! Love you! Maggie
ROY CHOUERI says
Semper Fidelis Rick – Well all be joining you soon enough at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Brother, you fought the good fight with courage, honor, and perseverance. We continue here until we are called home. We are all surrounding Marnie. Don’t worry about her. She’s in good company of love. She is our global DEN MOTHER to all servicemen and servicewomen everywhere who volunteered and said, ‘We will fight for something greater than ourselves – for America.’ She picked up the baton where Martha Rae left off … We all love her dearly. You married a precious gem sir, and are blessed to have her –
ROY CHOUERI
US Army (Ret)
De Oppresso Liber –
HOOAH! AIRBORNE!
Regine Wilson says
I’m so very sorry for your loss of your Hero Marnie and my deepest condolences .
You are in my Thoughts and Prayers , and may the Lord give you the strength to
go through this difficult time . May your Hero R I P……
Sincerely ,
Regine Wilson ( FBF)
David poage says
R.i.p. cousin
Doc says
“It is only in the most humble of men, that the greatest strength of humanity can be found.”
Stand down and rest easy, Marine. Corpsman up and has your 6.
RIP
Doc
Fred Easy says
Brother Marine and friend Rik…you will be missed. I always enjoyed our conversations and especially how you expressed yourself. When you pass through Saint Peters gate I know our Marine brothers will be there to greet you home. Even though he road there was built by our Seebee brothers, we know your walking dead brothers will be there guarding the gate and cheering you Marine. March on brother…Semper Fi…RIP.
Easy Fred
Joe Steffens says
Dear Marnie
On behalf of Vet2Vet on hearing of the passing of Rick. I would like to pass on our condolences and to say our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We at Vet2Vet greatly respect and thank Rick and you for all you have done for the good of Veterans over the years.
Thanks Joe Steffens Vet2Vet PR and info Person
Tiffany Wright says
Just from reading the beautiful words in this memorial for Rick, I can tell he was a well loved and well lived individual. Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear loved one. No matter where we are in the world or what our individual lives are like we all share the same pain, grief and sadness when our loved ones are no longer with us. Please continue to take comfort in God who cares for all our needs in every circumstance we may find ourselves. (2 Corinthians 1:1-3) He will help you be strong.
JW.org
Michelle Kenley Mowles says
The first love of my life gone too soon! I am sure that those in this later part of your life loved you as we did in Virginia friends and patients alike! May peace be your final gift from the Heavenly Father. So many precious memories to unfold but they are in our hearts!
Blessings for Marnie as she navigates the coming days!
Dan Nedved says
I had the great pleasure of practicing Aikido with Rick up here in Kalispell. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. My condolences to his family.
Vincent Harris says
I want to say I’m Sorry for the passing of Rick I hope you are alright. One day we will all be in heaven together we will one day be reunited with our loved ones! We are never promised another day when Jesus call us home we will be in a better place.