Howard Newton Richards

The life of Howard Newton Richards, who died on April 27, 2015, at his home in Austin, will be celebrated by his family and many friends for years to come, even as they mourn his departure from this earth. The legacy he leaves will also be enhanced by his extensive and impressive public service, as detailed below.

Howard was born in Brownsville, Texas on April 3, 1934. His parents were C. K. Richards, a former Associate Justice of the Third Court of Civil Appeals, and Dorothy Wilson Richards. He graduated from San Angelo High School in 1952 and received his B.B.A. and L.L.B degrees in 1960 from The University of Texas at Austin. He served in the U. S. Army from 1956 through 1958.

He married Katherine Ross in Beaumont on June 10, 1961. Over the next 18 years Howard and Katherine made their home in Dallas, Beaumont and Austin. At each one of these stops, while Howard pursued his law career and other duties, Howard and Katherine renewed old friendships and made many new friendships which remain today. Katherine passed away in June of 1980, and Howard returned to Austin.

Howard and Janis Barr Southerland were married in Austin on November 23, 1984. They have maintained their home in Austin, but spent many of their summers in Breckenridge, Colorado and have many friends from that part of the country.

Howard's "family" included The University of Texas, an institution he treasured until the day of his death. While a student at UT, he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and the Texas Cowboys. One of his proudest accomplishments was his service as a member of the Board of Regents of the UT System from 1979 to 1985. In addition, he was a member of following organizations associated with the University of Texas at various times: The Men's Athletic Council, the Texas Marine Science Advisory Council, the Center for American History Advisory Council, the Chancellor's Council, and the MD Anderson Visitor's Center Advisory Board.

He was also most proud of his service on the staff of Governor Dolph Briscoe from October 1973 to July 1975, including serving as administrative assistant, legal counsel and legislative liaison to the 63rd Session of the Texas Legislature, as legal counsel to the Governor and liaison to the Constitutional Convention and the 64th Session of the Texas Legislature. In 1978, he served as Governor Briscoe's appointments assistant.

Howard had an extensive legal career that included, at various times, a Briefing Attorney for Texas Supreme Court Judges Ruel S. Walker and James R. Norvell, an Associate in the Law Offices of W. C. Ross, Jr. in Beaumont, an Associate with Locke, Purnell, Boren, Laney & Neely, Dallas, a Partner with Ross, McLemore, Collie & Richards in Beaumont, a Partner with O'Brien & Richards, Beaumont, Managing Partner, Jenkins & Gilchrist, Austin, a Partner with the firm of Howard N. Richards, Austin, a Partner with DeLeon, Boggins & Richards, Austin, and Of Counsel, Maroney, Crowley, Bankston, Richardson & Hill, L.L.P. Austin.

While in Beaumont he served the community as a member of various service organizations, and was active in several state and local lawyers associations.

Howard was always one to live life on his terms. A man of great distinction, he made a lasting impression wherever he went. He will be remembered for his generosity, his hospitality, and his no-nonsense acceptance of life and others.

Most of all, he will be remembered for his "burnt orange blood"—his lifelong passion for The University of Texas. His children once asked him: "Dad—do you love us as much as you love UT?" With a twinkle in his eye, he said: "Well…almost!" "Good!" they answered, "Because we know how much you LOVE UT!" Howard's devotion to "THE" University marked his life AND the campus he loved so much.

He was fortunate to spend life doing what he loved, serving the institution he loved, and leaving a lasting legacy for the people he loved. He left life as he lived it—with dignity and honor.

Howard is survived by his wife, Janis; his daughter Pamela Watts and her husband Brent and children Katherine, Parker, Elizabeth and Evan; his son Kent; and by the many friends whose lives he enriched throughout the years.

A memorial service will be held at The Headliners Club, 221 W. 6th Street, Austin, Texas at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2015.

Howard specifically requested than any gifts in his memory be made to The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, UT Austin, Development Office, Gift Processing, P.O. Box 7458, Austin, TX 78713-7458; to a charity of your choice, or flowers for the Memorial Service.