United States of America
Headstone of Richard Howard Calhoun
U.S. Navy · United States United States

Richard Howard Calhoun

Died October 10, 1975

Richard Howard Calhoun served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years and 4 months. Richard served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Police Officer Richard Calhoun was shot and killed while he and other officers attempted to apprehend three prison escapees in the 90 block of Avenue J near the Houston Ship Channel Bridge. The inmates had escaped from a state prison farm near Sugar Land. He and other officers had entered the home and discovered one of the escapees dead in a downstairs area of the home. As Officer Calhoun reached the top of the stairs on the second level, one of the other escapees suddenly appeared and opened fire with a sawed-off shotgun, killing him. The other officers were able to pull Officer Calhoun from the home. The home ignited when tear gas was fired into it during the ensuing standoff. All of the remaining escapees were killed in the fire. Officer Calhoun was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Houston Police Department for five years.

Survivors
He is survived by his wife and four children.
Media
Richard Howard Calhoun
Richard Howard Calhoun 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1963 – 1969
Also Served
Houston Police Department
Police Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 18-E · Line 21 cut as RICHARD H CALHOUN
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtqpe5337x7s98s62n4gz
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Police Officer Calhoun gave the Houston Police Department 5 years.

Thank you for your service to the Houston community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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