Richard earned his wings and was welcomed by our Heavenly Father on August 22, 2019. Richard was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. A life well lived was evident in his 48 years. He married his best friend, Veronica in 1991, and was honored to be married for 28 years. Their love story was one to be admired and treasured. Together, they raised their family with love and faith. Richard treasured his children: Bryan, Alyssa, Kimberly, Kaylee, and Lisa, more than anything in the world and was proud of becoming a grandfather to both Colton Lee Collier and Jameson Michael-Lee Benadum. He was born and raised in El Paso and graduated from Bel Air High School in 1989. Subsequently, he joined the U.S. Navy and became an Aviation’s Electronic Mate. Shortly thereafter, he graduated from Rescue Swimmer School and took his place among the select few. In 1992, he was directly involved in a rescue mission where he aided 14 survivors involved in a downed aircraft in the Indian Ocean and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. After his duty with the Navy was complete, he went on to become a Locomotive Engineer for Union Pacific for 10 years. The need to be present with his children led him to his career as a Special Education Teacher at SISD for the past 14 years. It was during this time, that he also became a Broker and opened his own real estate company, El Paso Royal Realty. Richard’s zest for life was apparent in his everyday interactions. He lived to serve others in any capacity that he could. He is also survived by his parents: Milton and Donna Collier, and Enriqueta Suarez. His sisters Jennifer Cox and Ramona Suarez. Further survived by his mother-in-law, sister- in- law, nieces, nephews, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, and friends. Last but not least, his “Crazy Horse Gang” will forever be a reminder of how friends become family.
