Richard Joseph Wilk, Jr. "Rick", residing in Bastrop, Texas passed away on January 21, 2023 at the age of 67. He was born at St. Albans US Naval Hospital in St. Albans, New York on May 9, 1955 and was raised in the Bronx and upstate New York.

In high school, Rick was athletic competing in gymnastics and wrestling. Rick had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed going hunting, camping and hiking whenever he could. Upon graduation of high school, he attended Duchess County Community College where he studied mathematics and electrical engineering. He later joined the United States Army as a combat engineer. Upon completion of Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, he attended Basic Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA. Rick later went on to attend John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was assigned to Operational Detachment Alpha ("ODA") with the 7th Special Forces Group (A) becoming a Green Beret. He won marksmanship competitions, and his decorations included, Expert Rifle, Parachutist Badge, Sharpshooter and a Good Conduct Medal during his service in the Army until he was honorably discharged.

In 1989, he moved to Austin, Texas and became a Peace Officer with the Travis County Sherriff's Department where he received recognition for qualifying "Top Gun" in the 6th Advanced Reserve Officer's Class at the Travis County Sheriff's Academy. He worked for the Travis County Sheriff's Department for 24 years until his retirement in 2013.

In his retirement he loved building and flying model aeronautics and spending time with his family. Rick lived a full life and will always be remembered for his quick-witted humor and love of debate and history.

He is survived by his four siblings and their families Robin and Chris Meldrum of Ohio, Regina "Gina" Schroeder and Buddy Schroeder of Austin, Texas, Rhonda Wilk of Amarillo, Texas, and Rodney and Corby Wilk of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his twelve (12) nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Valerie Wilk and his beloved dog, Molly.

A grave side service will be held on February 7, 2023, at 2:00pm in San Antonio, Texas at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association.