Richard H. Breckenridge

Richard Harold "Dick" Breckenridge passed away in the morning of January 17, 2012 at the age of 92, peacefully and in the presence of his entire family. The son of Cecil Hugh Breckenridge and Gladys Bonebrake Breckenridge and the grandson of covered-wagon pioneers, Dick Breckenridge was born June 25, 1919 in Woodston, Rooks County, Kansas. Dick was the first in his family to attend college, graduating with a BS in Engineering from Kansas State University in 1941. At Kansas State, he was a member of Phi Tau Sigma and the Steel Ring Society.

During World War II, Dick worked on a team of engineers at General Electric in Schenectady, New York, which integrated selsyn motors into the design of bomber gun turrets.

Dick married Meda Gae Litton on June 11, 1944 in the Methodist Church in Stockton, Kansas. In 1951, Dick and Meda Gae moved their young family to Dallas, so Dick could take a job at Texas Power & Light Company, where he would spend the rest of his working career. He retired from TP&L as Director of Administrative Services. Dick served in a number of offices in the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, including Vice President.

Following his retirement, Dick and Meda Gae lived a period of years in Lindale, Texas, before returning again to Dallas.

Dick was active in the Methodist Church, both at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church and later at First United Methodist Church in Lindale, Texas. He was a Scout leader, Little League coach and member of the Kiwanis Club.

An engineer in his outlook as well as by training, Dick approached problems with a hands-on, can-do attitude. He did the jobs that needed to be done, without considering the prospects for recognition or reward. He set an example for his sons, and for all who knew him, with his sincere regard for others -- friends, foes and strangers alike.

During the latter half of his life, Type-II diabetes and its complications imposed upon him a series of disabilities, which gradually grew in severity. In his retirement, he was not able to enjoy his golf and woodworking hobbies as he would have liked. Later, he became unable to walk, and even reading became problematic. No adversity, however, could deprive him of his unfailing good cheer or his droll sense of humor.

Dick is survived by his wife and partner of 67 years, Meda Gae Breckenridge; his sons Charles Breckenridge of Dallas, Texas and James Breckenridge of Brooklyn, New York; their wives Mary K Breckenridge and Suzanne Marquard; his granddaughters Cynthia Breckenridge and Kristin Breckenridge; and his sister Anne Grothusen of Ellsworth, Kansas. He was predeceased by his sister Imogene Hughes and his brother Lee Breckenridge.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at Lovers Lane Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army.