Rockford native Richard Dawes Kolter, 83, of Johnson City, Tenn., died Jan. 21, 2010, at Asbury Place, Johnson City.

He was born Aug. 30, 1926, in Rockford, to G.A. and Kathryn Cook Kolter. His wife, Dorthy Saylor Kolter, survives.

He retired from the sales department of Phillips Petroleum, Bartlesville, Okla., and the Auditor General's office of the state of Florida in Tallahassee. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the Atlantic Anti-Submarine command. He also was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Amphibious Assault command and the 45th Infantry Division where he participated in two major campaigns. Later he served with the Army Engineers in the Philippine Islands and then the 82nd Airborne Division. He received 13 awards, medals and decorations during his 12 years of service and his Amphibious Tank Battalion was cited by the president of the Republic of Korea.

He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Military Officer's Association. He also was a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the Rockford Presbyterian Church.

A private burial service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., with attendance by the Arlington Ladies.

No calling hours are planned.

Condolences can be left at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City.