Lieutenant Colonel Richard Jerome Scherberger, United States Army, Retired, died 21 December 2021 after a heroic battle with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.
Surviving Richard is his wife, Vicky Lynn Hickerson Scherberger, son, Scott Douglas, wife Gina, grandchildren Mia Grace and Caden, all Madison, AL residents, and his recuse dogs Baxter and Bailey. His son, Kelly Barrett Scherberger, and his parents, Colonel Richard J. (USA, Ret.) and Virginia Barrett Scherberger of Norfolk, VA, preceded him in death.
After graduating from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, Richard received an Army commission as a Second Lieutenant. He honorably served his Country as a Field Artillery Officer for over twenty-one years. He loved Soldiers and being a Soldier. Whenever someone thanked him for his service, Richard always commented, “It was my honor, and I would do it again.”
In 1981 Richard completed the US Army’s Organization Effectiveness School and continued his lifetime journey of service to others in leadership and organization development (OD). He was a practicing OD Consultant for over thirty-six years, emphasizing the value of building long-lasting relationships and meaningful experiences.
In 1993, he created his own company, Executive Leadership Skills International, serving private and public clients. He shared with his clients that Fridays were less joyful days for him because it would be two days before he’d be reunited with his work colleagues. Unless, of course, he vacationed and spent time with his colleagues, which he often did. His colleagues were family.
His years of listening to Armed Forces Radio and an excellent memory allowed him to identify the artist, year, and complete name of millions of songs. He played music continually and enjoyed everything from the St Louis Jesuits to the drum solo of the Rascals Danny Danelli, to the heart-wrenching lyrics of Jim Weatherly. He had a beautiful voice and was a wonderful dancer.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Huntsville, AL on Friday, 7 January, at 1400hrs. A private wake will follow the Mass.
A graveside ceremony with military honors will occur in Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS later. As Richard desired, he will be buried with his and Vicky’s son, Kelly.