Richard "Dick" Robert Dial

Richard Robert “Dick” Dial, 76, of Aztec returned home to his Heavenly Father on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he was taken following a heart attack. He had suffered several years of declining health due to kidney and heart failure. Dick was born October 11, 1947 in Durango Colorado, to Robert Ralph “Buster” Dial and Dorothy Pauline (LePlatt) Dial.  Dick was a lifelong resident of Aztec and graduated from Aztec High School in 1965.  He was an active member of FFA and was awarded the Degree of State Farmer. He went to work for El Paso Natural Gas in 1970 and lived at the Lowry camp in Counselor, NM for five years, which was the only time he ever lived outside of Aztec before returning in 1975.  In 1978 he left El Paso Natural Gas to partner with his dad at Dial Oil Company.  He worked alongside his father and brother (Ron) building the family business until 2005 when the company sold. 

His lifelong dream was to be a farmer. In 1994 he bought a small farm on the river north of Aztec, but postponed moving until the conclusion of his Aztec City Commission term.  He was happiest when watching his youngest daughter compete at horse shows, supporting his PBR bucking bulls, and working his land.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Ronald (Sue) Dial of Scottsdale, AZ. His son, Richard Keith Dial and daughters Allison (Michael) Ashbaker, Tiffany (Christopher) King and Jessie (John) Keating.  His wife, Catherine Ruth (Davis) Dial and her children Lisa (David) Gonzalez , Shannon (Rich) Valdez, and  Dennis (Lou) Amundson. 

He leaves behind nine grandchildren, Tali and Myles(Jenna) Ashbaker, Mitchell and Marshall Edd, Maddox King, and Jhett, Josiah, Jersey and Jameson Keating.

 The family will be welcoming guests at a viewing on Thursday, April 11th from 5pm to 7pm and at a service, Friday, April 12th at 10am.  Both will be held at Cope Memorial Chapel, 405 S. Main Ave. in Aztec.  Following the service, interment will be at the Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Aztec FFA. Mail donation to Aztec High School attn. Aztec FFA, 550 E Chaco St, Aztec, NM 87410