Richard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Veronica, his children Carol, Robert, Joseph and Marie, and by his 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Gerald and Bill and was preceded in death by his brother Norman.
Richard was born on December 4, 1937 in the town of Bremond, Texas. Though his family moved to Houston in his early years, the town remained an ongoing character in his recollections and his extended family ties.
Throughout his life Richard remained curious about the world across a wide range of experience, spending time at St. Mary’s Seminary and the University of St. Thomas in Houston after graduating from St. Thomas High School. Richard’s approaches to learning were diverse but always in communion with others. He spent time early in life at the Houston Public Library downtown branch, his duties there including assisting visitors with their research questions. Later, a longtime interest in geology led to classes at Harris County College (now Lone Star College) where he became a familiar presence over time among faculty and students, chaperoning outside of coursework on field expeditions across Texas.
Richard and Veronica were young choir members at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. They married on February 16, 1963 and made a life together raising a family, traveling, remodeling their homes and managing the family business. Richard began his professional life in woodworking with his father and brothers, starting his own business and enjoying success over time through a word-of-mouth network that came to rely on his reputability and the quality of his work. Richard was seemingly at his best when he had the least direction to start from, operating from a strong creative streak and a self-guided capacity to communicate what the best result should be. Examples of his work stand in high-finish homes throughout Houston.
Richard was a leader by example, demonstrating the value of outreach as a lector and extraordinary minister. His work and an approach to action earned him exceptional physical and mental strength over his life. These brought Richard back from a number of health-related episodes late in life, seemingly hardier each time. We who knew him are all stronger for his example, his willingness to teach, his eagerness to learn and a belief that building up is always better than tearing down.
Visitation for Richard will be held Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 10-11am at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home. Rosary and Funeral service to immediately follow.
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