Richard Eugene Hertless Sr.

Richard Eugene Hertless Sr. was born on October 3, 1934 in Richmond, Virginia to Okie Washington and Lena Butler Hertless. He was married to Mary Elizabeth Stuart on July 22, 1952. It was love at first sight. They met when Mary went to meet her girlfriend’s boyfriend. The boyfriend was Richard Hertless. Richard took one look at Mary and ignored his then girlfriend. They were married and moved to Virginia. They had four children: Denice, Elaine, Richard Jr. and David.

Richard (Dick) Hertless was in the Air Force for seventeen years before he was medically retired due to an accident on base in the line of duty. They then moved to Austin, Texas where he fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning and operating a service station. The name of the station was Windsor Park Shell and it grew to be one of the top five service stations in Austin, Texas in the 70’s. Dick was once again forced to retire when his health deteriorated, but life was not over. He continued to be an inspiration to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild.

Richard is survived by his wife Mary, Denice Doss and husband James, Elaine Beatty and husband Mike, Rick Hertless and wife Frances, David Hertless and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by His father Okie Washington and mother Lena Butler Hertless; his brothers Harry, Alec, Okie Jr, and Billy Hertless; his sisters Frances Seese, Susan Tyler and Louise Rynes.

Dick was always positive and always fun. He was quick to make a joke and cared about everyone. He never met a stranger, nor turned one away. If you ever visited the Hertless house you were treated as family. Dick and Mary understood the word hospitality and practiced it regularly. The Hertless family never waited for special occasions to visit or get together. The family met together frequently which lends credence to the type of people Dick and Mary were as people and parents. The family has always enjoyed each other’s company and has always shared in the joy, the laughter and the sorrow of life’s journeys.

Richard (Dick) Hertless stepped into eternal life on July 24, 2016 at 10:03 in the morning. He was a man that will not be forgotten and was well liked by anyone whom he encountered. His laughter, his attitude, his leadership, his boldness, his confidence, his strong will and his undying love will live forever. It is exciting to know that he has once again joined his family who has preceded him in eternity. He now anxiously awaits his family to join with him in his new journey.