Richard "Rich" Henry Yeglic

Richard "Rich" Henry Yeglic, born on July 28, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 78 — just six days before his birthday. Rich was known for being fun, funny, jovial, proud, brave, and an all-around happy guy.

Rich was a proud Marine, leaving home to join the service at only 17 and serving in combat in Vietnam from 1963 to 1967. He loved meeting and talking with other Marines and would always greet them with the Marine battle cry, “Oorah!” He often said, “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” and lived by that motto. There was never a shirt, hat, car (and he had many), blanket, or cup that didn’t have “Marine” adorned all over it.

Rich was also known as a very good dancer. He would dance any chance he could get. When he wasn’t two-stepping or jitterbugging at Gilley’s or The Hop, he was pushing furniture aside to make room to spin his family around the living room floor. Watching him dance was pure joy, and he often had strangers coming up to tell him how great of a dancer he was.

Rich never met a stranger (a trait that often embarrassed his family). He would strike up conversations with people in elevators, stores, restaurants—just about anywhere. And even when it wasn’t appropriate anymore, he would address everyone as “honey,” “baby,” or “sugar” in his slow southern drawl. He loved anyone who spoke a foreign language, as it gave him a chance to practice his French, Vietnamese, German, Arabic—you name it. He had a gift for picking up languages and took pride in letting others know it.

Rich is survived by his daughter, Michelle Willey, and husband, Ben Willey, as well as his son, Aaron Barringer, and daughters, Sheri Yeglic and Miriah Broadhead and her husband, Ron. Additionally, he leaves behind a cherished granddaughter, Camille Willey, and his beloved grandson, Butler Willey, who looks and acts just like his “Pepe.” Rich is also survived by his former partner, friend, and mother of two of his children, Diane Barringer. He also leaves behind his brothers, Lenny Yeglic and David Yeglic, and their spouses; his sisters, Lori Gorney and her husband, and Paulette Lorance; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews whom he absolutely adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Suzanne and Leopold Yeglic, as well as his sister and best friend, Leona Reed, and her husband, Danny Reed.

A visitation will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, located at 3600 Brinkman Street, Houston, Texas 77018, on July 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m.Immediately following, Rich will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.

The family invites all guests to return to their home after the burial for a birthday celebration in honor of Rich, at 1527 Richelieu Ln, Houston, Texas 77018.

Rich will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his funny stories, his dedication to his country, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy will live on through his grandchildren and all who knew and loved him.