Eugene Joseph Richling

Eugene Joseph Richling, beloved and loving husband and father, joined the heavenly hosts on Dec 21, 2022. He was born March 19, 1930 in Spalding, Nebraska. He served 20 years in the USAF, where he was a bomb navigation technician. He met Joan, his wife of nearly 54 years, in an Air Force Base chapel choir; they sang together many years in the San Angelo Symphony Chorale, and in church choirs at Sacred Heart Cathedral and Holy Angels for all but the past two years. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Gene returned to college for a degree in nursing at Angelo State University. He worked at St. John’s Hospital 17 years, first as an R.N. and then as a biomedical technician—the latter of which fed his fondness of puttering with fine instruments and machines. In his retirement he enjoyed volunteering for Meals for the Elderly. Gene always had a passion for fine music and singing. He encouraged and nurtured this also in his wife, Joan—who sang with him and teaches piano, and their daughter, Laura, who is a professional pianist and organist. He was a voracious reader, for his own enjoyment; he also was a regular lector at his church. He enjoyed cooking, jogging, archery, bicycling, walking, and just being out of doors. Animals held a special place in his heart--most notably a long series of beloved family pets. He will be remembered—and missed--for his kindness, thoughtfulness, finely-developed sense of humor, gregariousness, strong faith in God and deep love of his family. He is survived by his wife, Joan Richling and their daughter, Laura Richling, his sister Octavia (Pinky) Ennis, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are parents, Lorenz and Clare Richling, sisters Joanne Karcich, Clare Fahl, and Claudia LaVertu, and brother Bud Richling.

A mass of Christian burial, followed by inurnment in the columbarium, will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, 10:00am at Holy Angels Catholic Church, San Angelo, TX. To honor Gene, please consider a donation to your favorite charity. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Richling family.