July 30, 1957 – January 2, 2026
Richard Alan Vogel, 68, known to all as Rick, passed away on January 2, 2026, in Conroe, Texas. Born in Greeley and raised in Eaton, Colorado, Rick was a steadfast and thoughtful man who lived with a deep sense of responsibility to those he loved. A long-time mainstay at the Ball Corporation plant in Conroe, he took great pride in his twenty-nine years of service.
Rick found great joy in the outdoors, whether he was sharing a round with friends on the golf course or enjoying the ski slopes of his home state. A passionate sports fan, he remained an avid supporter of the Denver Broncos and especially cherished spending time with family and friends cheering for the Houston Astros.
Beyond his hobbies, Rick had a profound connection to the power of music. While he loved rock music across all decades, he found his greatest inspiration in the works of John Lennon and The Beatles. He was someone who listened to music deeply, loving to dive into the meaning behind the lyrics and the stories they told.
Above all, Rick’s heart was centered on his family and his role as "Papaw." He is survived by his wife, Beth Pratorius; his son, Justin Vogel and wife Elna; his mother, Helen Schwisow; and his siblings, Randy Vogel and Lynn Schwisow. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Linda Vogel; his step-children, Aimee Hensley and husband Jeremy, Aaron Pratorius and wife Alexa, and Andrew Pratorius; as well as his two grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. Rick is now reunited with his daughter, Kelsey Vogel, who preceded him in death.
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." -The Beatles
A Visitation will be held at Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 1801 East White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas, on January 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Following the Visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at the same location, starting at 11:00 am.
