Richard “Skip” Wayne Putz, 82
Veteran Harness Horse Driver and
Educational Employee
GEORGETOWN – Richard “Skip” Wayne Putz passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
Skip was born in Georgetown on October 30, 1941. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph J. Putz, his mother, Willie M. (Proffitt) Vogt, and stepfather, Henry J. Vogt.
Skip was a member of the Georgetown High School Class of 1960. He was a veteran of the US Air Force serving from 1961-1965 during the Vietnam conflict as an Assistant Crew Chief of the C-130 transport airplane. He flew numerous missions around the world.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he started his career as a harness horse driver, breeder, and trainer, which spanned more than 20 years. He raced at many racetracks up and down the East Coast. He was known as “The Little Big Man” in many newspaper sport articles. He held a ½ mile record for many years at Ocean Downs Raceway.
Skip was employed by the Indian River School District as a maintenance technician for 27 years before retiring. He enjoyed the camaraderie with his co-workers and students. Many students fondly remembered “Mr. Skip” when he would see them out in public.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Linda Patricia (Wells) Putz; four sons, Kevin Wayne Putz and wife Sandy, Brian Taylor Putz and wife Jenn, Kelly Douglas Putz, and Steven Arron Putz and wife Katie; eight grandchildren, Barry, Brandy, Brian Jr., Allan, Terry, Mason, Remy, and Arabella. He is also survived by a brother, Donald J. Putz; and three sisters, Judy Vogt Dean, Brenda Vogt Roys, and Izetta Vogt Claybrook; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, Del, where a time of visitation will begin at 10:00am.
Interment with military honors will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Del, at 1:00pm.
Since one of Skip’s greatest loves was his landscaped yard, flowers are welcome, or donations in Skip’s memory are welcome to your favorite charity.
Online condolences are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com
Thursday, December 21, 2023
10:00 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)
Georgetown Chapel
Thursday, December 21, 2023
11:30am - 12:30 pm (Eastern time)
Georgetown Chapel
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