Dennis Rhett Richardson

Dennis Rhett Richardson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and minister, passed away on July 25, 2025, in Monument, Colorado, at the age of 77. He was born on November 8, 1947, in Abilene, Texas, to Derris Rife Richardson and Bessie Maureen McKinzie Richardson. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dianne Richardson Reynolds.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Cheryl Lynn Martin Richardson; children Alicia Michelle Richardson (Poch Blanco), Shawna Lynn Sullivan (David Sullivan), Stephanie Marie Thompson (David Thompson), and Dennis Rhett Richardson II (Amber Van Haitsma Richardson); and his most treasured grandchildren: Kathryn (18), Wesley (15), McKinzie (13), Hunter (11), Nathaniel (10), Nora (8), and Drake (21 months). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends who were like family.

Dennis graduated from El Paso High School in 1966 and attended Texas Tech University, Odessa College, and Abilene Christian College. He cherished his McKinzie family’s legacy at Abilene Christian, often telling the story of how his grandmother’s coconut cream cake helped secure a vital donation for the school. While he rarely attended his classes, he made lifelong friends and collected colorful stories that he told with wit and warmth.

Dennis had a multitude of jobs in his life which included working on ranches and farms, Taco Bueno, and the Texas Highway Department. He began his love and training for chaplaincy while attending Abilene Christian College by working for the North Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas. His love for aviation led him to earn a pilot’s license and own several planes over the years. As a salesman, he had a rare gift—his charisma, humor, and empathy earned him top leadership roles in companies including American Amicable, Southland Life, A.L. Williams, and University Life. He trained thousands of agents and launched several business ventures, including travel services, art and jewelry sales, and even a restaurant.

A turning point in Dennis’s life came in the late 1970s, after a divorce and remarriage, when he and Cheryl began searching deeply for truth, faith, and spiritual renewal. That journey eventually led them to surrender to the Lordship of Christ and embrace a life led by the Holy Spirit. In 1988, Dennis joined the Zig Ziglar Corporation, which brought his family to Rockwall, Texas. There, they eventually became active members of Lakepointe Church—where they found community, purpose, and joy in their faith.

Dennis's ministry deepened when life took a difficult turn. After becoming entangled with a company later investigated for SEC violations, Dennis cooperated fully with authorities and served a nine-month prison sentence from 1993–1994. While there, his true calling emerged. Known by fellow inmates as “The Preacher Man,” Dennis led Bible studies, performed baptisms, and began what would become a lifelong ministry of healing, encouragement, and transformation. His family was faithfully supported by their church’s Life Group during this time—an experience that changed not only the Richardson family but the entire community that rallied around them.

After his release, Dennis became certified in Prepare and Enrich Life Innovations. This along with his certification from the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling, allowed him to provide pre-marital and marriage counseling. Dennis became bi-vocational—serving part-time in ministry while working in sales and marketing. He briefly planted a church in Rockwall, then worked with a career management firm, eventually moving to Denver to open his own practice. That dream ended during the 2008 financial collapse, and Dennis’s health began to decline.

In the midst of these health challenges, Dennis found new life in chaplaincy. He became certified and began serving in hospitals and assisted living facilities in the Denver area. Upon moving back to Texas, he joined the staff of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall, where he served full-time as a chaplain until retiring in 2019. He loved ministering to those in physical and spiritual pain and often said he had finally found his calling.

Dennis also served faithfully at Lakepointe Church—as a Life Group leader, rotating teacher, youth camp dean, and in-class chaplain. He officiated weddings and funerals and provided pastoral care to many. From 1994 through 2007, he played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual formation of youth at Lakepointe, including his own children. His teaching, mentorship, and presence left a deep and lasting impression.

Those who knew Dennis will remember his captivating presence, passionate storytelling, sustaining faith, big hugs, and ability to see people’s potential even when they couldn't see it in themselves. His life was filled with high highs and hard valleys, but through it all, he remained devoted to his family and committed to helping others find hope and healing in Christ.

His life is a story of redemption, leaving a legacy of love and resilience. The impact of his ministry will live on in the countless lives he touched—in his children and grandchildren, in the church he served, in the marriages he counseled, and in the many who came to know the love of Christ through his words and actions.

In honor of Dennis’ ministry and passion for working with youth, the family has set up a memorial fund to help scholarship students to attend camp for years to come. To join in this mission and donate on his behalf, please visit https://pushpay.com/g/lakepointe and designate the following:

· Fund: General Ministry Fund

· Campus: Rockwall

· Memo Line: Dennis Richardson Memorial Fund