Richard Westbrook Emery, a member of the Emery family of aviation pioneers who co-founded KC Aviation with his brother William (Ralph) Emery, passed away on March 4 from complications associated with Alzheimer’s. He was 79.

Emery, the oldest of four brothers, was born in Dallas in 1938 and lived there his entire life, while also maintaining a residence in Sun Valley. 

After attending the University of Texas at Austin and Southern Methodist University, he joined the family business, Executive Aircraft Services, which completed and serviced corporate aircraft. When the company was sold to Southwest Airmotive, he became president of the business. He later joined Kimberly Clark, where he founded K-C Aviation in Dallas. He served as president and CEO of that business for 20 years, helping it grow into a $200 million operation that serviced Hawker, Challenger and Gulfstream business jets. Gulfstream ultimately acquired the business.

Emery remained active in the industry, serving on the NBAA Advisory Council board, as well as the board of directors or Duncan Aviation, the Nordam Group and Frontiers of Flight Museum. 

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gay; sons Richard and Marshall; daughter Courtney Loving; four grandchildren; and brother Joe. His brothers Ralph and Robert Emery, both of whom were actively involved in aviation, also have passed away in recent years. They are predeceased by their parents L.V. and Lourene Emery.

A celebration of life is planned for 11 a.m. March 28 at Fellowship Dallas.