It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Richard Cory "Richie; Clutch" Bedwell of Colorado Springs, CO — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
The chapters of his life were many; these are some of them.
Service is one chapter of a life, but for those who serve, it shapes every other.
Richard Cory Bedwell (whom his family often referred to as Richie), age 49, of Colorado Springs, CO, passed away April 30, 2026, after a courageous, long-term battle with cancer. A graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Talley Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM until 7 PM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home.
He was born into a military family on April 3, 1977, at Bitburg Air Force Base in Bitburg, Germany. He remained a part of the national defense structure throughout his life. Following high school, Richard joined the ROTC program at Tennessee Tech University late in his college education to become a commissioned officer. He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, completing two tours in Iraq and departing the U.S. Army at the rank of Captain.
Following his military service, Richard transitioned into a role as a defense contractor and ultimately continued his dedication to his country as a civil servant with the Defense Intelligence Agency. He possessed a true and lasting passion for his work.
Richard, whom his motorcycle riding friends nicknamed Clutch, embraced every moment and loved the freedom of riding his motorcycle, especially with his dog, Baxter. He actively fired his guns at the Magnum Shooting Range and was an advocate of the Second Amendment. Richard was known for his diverse circle of friends; he was fun to be around, and his loyalty ran deep. Above all, he loved his family dearly and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Survivors include his father, Richard E. Bedwell; his girlfriend, who cared for him until the very end, Lisa LaRochelle; sister, Crystal Bedwell (Michael) Leiderman; nieces, Julia C. and Gabrielle J. Leiderman; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Mahan Bedwell.
We at Higgins Funeral Home are privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Richard Cory Bedwell.
