Richard James Killian

On the evening of May 25th, Richard (Dick) James Killian, age 72, passed away after a long illness. Mr. Killian was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James Killian, and his mother, Evelyn Kelly Killian. Mr. Killian was born in Omaha, Nebraska on October 10, 1938. He graduated from high school in 1956 as the valedictorian of Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City, Colorado. He served in the US Army from 1957-1960 and the US Army reserves from 1960-1963, when he received an honorable discharge. He graduated Cum Laude in 1963 from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. with a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service International Affairs.

Following graduation from college, Mr. Killian began a career in international business working in the oil and gas industry. He started his career with Gulf Oil Company. Mr. Killian was progressively promoted through positions located in Venezuela, London, Virginia (Falls Church), Greece, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), and Texas (Houston). He ultimately served as the CEO for the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP) in Houston.

After a long career, he retired with his wife to their beloved farm in Hamilton County, Texas. On his farm, he spent many hours with his dogs at his side tending to his goats.

Mr. Killian is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janet “Tag” (Lueck) Killian, his son Dr. Samuel (Sara) Killian and children Claire, Luke, and Jane of Evergreen, Colorado, his son Dr. Luke (Betsy) Killian and children Kate, Abigail, and Grace of Hamilton, his daughter Sarah (Michael) Tenney and children John, Colin, and Elizabeth of Houston, and son Matthew (Leslie) Killian of Houston. Mr. Killian is also survived by his brother Dr. Thomas (Sandra) Killian of Hunt. Visitation will be held at Riley Funeral home in Hamilton on Monday, May 30 from 6 pm to 8 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Hamilton on Tuesday, May 31 at 11 am. A memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Community in Houston on Wednesday, June 1 at 1 pm.

The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Hamilton General Hospital Healthcare Foundation. P.O. Box 788, Hamilton, Texas 76531.

Arrangements under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Hamilton, Texas.