Richard Patrick Holgin

Richard Patrick Holgin was born in Houston, Texas, on March 17, 1933, to Alex and Consuelo Holgin. His older siblings, now deceased, were Alex and Julia. Richard loved school, being a teen entrepreneur and playing his saxophone. He not only played in his high school marching band but also in the Marine Corp band. His uncle, Rudy Espinoza, encouraged him to join the Marine Reserves. By 1950, Richard, at 17 years of age, participated in the Pusan Landing in Korea. He was a proud survivor of the legendary Chosin Reservoir Campaign, Nov-Dec 1950. His military awards and recognitions include the Purple Heart Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Battle Stars, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with 3 Battle Stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the United Nation Service Medal.

Richard returned to Houston in 1955, as a young, 22-year-old veteran. In 1957, he married Blanche Moreno and they raised 6 children: Pam, Ginger, Consuelo, Rick, Risa and Christopher. His family legacy continues through 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

In 1961 he led a community-wide effort to stop a freeway expansion that was planned to run through his beloved neighborhood of Magnolia Park. Per the Houston Chronicle, “What ensued was a years-long battle between the predominantly Hispanic community and the Texas Department of Transportation. Pressure from Holgin and the community, as well as a budget shortfall, meant the project was scrapped in 1976 – permanently.” His fight against the freeway expansion is recounted in the books Power Moves: Transportation, Politics, and Development in Houston by Kyle Shelton and in Houston Freeways: A Historical and Visual Journey by Erik Slotboom.

In 1968 he was named Research Director of the Business Resource Development Center where he helped identify opportunities for minorities entering business. In 1969 he founded the nonprofit Magnolia Business Center, a community service organization in support of emerging Latino entrepreneurs. In the 1970s, he was very proud to have developed and then served as the first President of Del Sol Federal Savings and Loan Association, the first Mexican American-owned and managed S&LA. In 1971 he was invited to, and subsequently attended, the Stanford Executive Program in the Stanford Graduate School of Business. During this period, he was a member of the Galveston-Houston Catholic Diocese Board of Education and also helped found the East End Preservation and Development Corporation. In 1976 he was appointed Director of the Harris County Personnel Department, making him the first Mexican American appointed to lead a county department.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Services Technology with a major in Management and a minor in Economics from the University of Houston in 1979, he enjoyed a highly successful career in personnel and business management, with particularly rewarding experiences at the University of Houston and Ninfa’s Restaurant Corporation. During his many years in Houston, Richard was a respected community leader and advocate for social justice.

After retirement, Richard moved to San Antonio and married Yolanda Santos in 2002. Together for the next 15 years, they became world travelers. He also made time to give back to the community. In 2005, Mayor Julian Castro appointed Richard to serve on the City Commission for Veterans Affairs. He served from 2005-2012. During those years, he was committed to attending the funerals of homeless vets.

Surviving the Chosin Reservoir Campaign deeply influenced his life. He was a founding member of the Chosin Few Association Chapters in both Houston and San Antonio. He served on the National Chosin Few Board from 2010-2012, including his tenure as National President in 2010.

As Richard’s health declined over the past few years, he was blessed to receive compassionate care from Maria E. Hernandez, Nicki Hicks, the medical team from Heart of Texas Hospice, Gil Cortez and Sergio DeLuna Hernandez with Casa de Amor and loving, supportive visits from family friend Star Echterhoft. Chaplin James Butler with Heart of Texas Hospice offered Richard spiritual support. Deepest gratitude to each of these special persons.

Richard returned to his heavenly home at 10pm on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in San Antonio, at the age of 91.

His legacy of courage, leadership, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

To hear Richard in his own words, speak about his Chosin reservoir campaign experience go to:

https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/richard-p-holgin/

Option: consider donating to Richard’s favorite organization: Marine Military Academy, 320 Iwo Jima Blvd

Harlingen, Texas 78550, mma.tx.org/donate