Richard Karl Plebuch
Dr. Richard Karl Plebuch, a brilliant mind and beloved father, passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on September 7, 1935 in Longview, Washington, his extraordinary life was marked by profound contributions to science, engineering, and humanity’s quest for the stars.
Dr. Plebuch pursued his education with unwavering dedication, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Washington, and was awarded Atomic Energy Commission grants to complete his Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan and a PhD in Nuclear Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a career that would leave an indelible mark on the field of aerospace and defense.
Dr. Plebuch’s esteemed career included pioneering work on some of humanity’s most ambitious endeavors. He contributed to the development of space exploration missions, including the iconic Pioneer and Voyager programs and the groundbreaking Viking Mars Lander. His visionary research supported early efforts for a manned mission to Mars, embodying his passion for pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration.
Beyond space, Dr. Plebuch was a vital member of an elite nuclear physics laboratory advising key defense initiatives. His expertise played a critical role in shaping key U.S. defense systems such as Peacekeeper, Minuteman, Midgetman, Sentinel, and Safeguard. Later in his career, he took immense pride in spearheading efforts for Lockheed Martin’s successful Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) proposal that led to the largest defense contract award in U.S. history.
Dr. Plebuch’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. For over 30 years, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 276, affectionately known as "The Mountain Men," of Palos Verdes, California. Under his leadership, the troop grew to over 100 scouts, embodying the spirit of adventure through hikes across the High Sierras, Grand Canyon, Escalante Canyon, Zion Narrows, and canoeing on the Colorado River. His scouts reveled in scaling majestic peaks like Mount Whitney, and their heroism was exemplified when they extinguished a forest fire in the High Sierras. Dr. Plebuch celebrated the success of over 100 boys achieving the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout and went on to establish the Los Angeles County High Adventure Scouting Program. For his tireless dedication to youth development, he received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed by a Boy Scouts of America council.
As remarkable as his professional and volunteer achievements were, Dr. Plebuch will be most remembered by those who knew him personally as a devoted and loving father. His warmth, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to family were constant pillars in the lives of those he cherished. He is survived by his wife, Evonne Plebuch and stepdaughter Cherry Williams of Roanoke, VA , mother of his children Barbara Plebuch of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA and children Donald Plebuch in Bushnell, FL, Sharyl Thombs in Arvada, CO, Ronald Plebuch in Rolling Hills Estates, CA, and Karolyn Johnson in Temecula, CA along with 16 Grand-Children and 6 Great-Grandchildren.
Dr. Plebuch’s legacy lives on in the advancements he championed, the lives he touched, and the dreams he dared to pursue. He will be profoundly missed and forever honored.
