RICHARD R. FILLBRANDT '43

Inducted: 1996

A St. Joseph, Mich., native, Dick Fillbrandt was a standout three-sport athlete in high school, earning 10 letters, as well as all-conference and all-state honors in football, basketball and tennis. While he was offered scholarships at several Big-Ten schools, he chose DePauw "because of its small classes and scholastic record." Here, he played football, basketball and was the number one singles and doubles tennis player. In all, he earned eight varsity letters and two numerals. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta and served on the editorial staff of The DePauw. Graduating in 1943 with a double major in economics and history, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he attended the midshipman's school at Notre Dame, receiving an officer's commission. He served on gunboats in the southwest Pacific, winning eight battle stars and two purple hearts. Following the service, he joined Sears, Roebuck & Co. where he rose in their executive ranks. In 1978, he joined the Department of Defense where he remained until his retirement in 1987. He is currently active in volunteer organizations in his community, Jacksonville, Fla.