Richard Cowles Partch

I had this dream Friday night May 6, 2016. I was advised by a “messenger” to promptly get my affairs in order. It was so realistic that I could not go back to sleep. It made me wonder if this “messenger” could be a supernatural being. As of now, I have gotten my affairs in order.

Richard (Dick) Cowles Partch was born March 7, 1923, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and died January 22, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Richard was the second child born to Alice McAfee Partch and Hugh Everette Partch. Sister Helen died in 1919, and Sister Jane Elizabeth Schmidt died in 2006. Brother Edward Deforest Partch born in 1927 died in 2023.

Richard Married Carolyn Cox in 1949, and they were blessed with three daughters Alyson Ruth, Carolyn Anne, and Celia Jane. Richard’s wife Carolyn and the mother of his daughters passed away after a long illness. Richard married Opal Ruth Lively Ryan of Mexia, Texas and she is a survivor.

Richard is survived by Alyson and husband Jeff Smith, by Carolyn Anne Partch Cullison of Kerrville, and Celia and husband Sewall Cutler of Dallas. Grandchildren Justin Smith and wife Michelle and Carolyn Smith of Austin and Thomas of Dallas plus numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Jonelle Ryan Bartoli, Pam Ryan, Melinda Ryan Pagan, and Debbie Ryan. And by his great grandchildren Mary Quinn and James Davis.

In 1942 Richard enlisted in the U.S. Naval V-5 Aviation Flight Program and was honorably discharged in 1946. He later reenlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and retired as a commander in Naval Intelligence.

Richard graduated from Downers Grove Illinois High School. From the University of Florida with an AA Degree, and from the University of Houston with Degrees in Business and Juris Prudence. He was licensed to practice Law in the States of Texas and Florida.

Richard was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha (Alpha Eta Chapter), Florida and Houston Alumni, Texas and Florida Bars, American Bar Association, AFIO (Assoc of Former Intelligence Officers), American Legion, Association of General Contractors, St Martin’s Episcopal Church, Naval Reserve Officers Assn, and NRA.

Richard began his career with Fisher Construction Company as a timekeeper. Upon graduation, he was brought into the office to learn the positions of estimator and Project Manager. He rose through the ranks and became Chief Estimator and Project Manager for the company. The Principals of the Company offered to sell him their interests and he bought them out. Later, he changed the corporate name from Fisher to Partch Construction Company. He retired the Corporate Charter of this 52-year-old company in 1999. He continued working as a consultant for various companies that could use his experience and knowledge of estimating cost control and project management.

As a developer and contractor, for five low rent government projects, he hired architects, engineers, etc. to design projects in which he built the projects, secured the financing and got the projects accepted. As a developer and contractor for turnkey hospital and health facilities overseas, he organized a team of architects, engineers etc. to design projects for the needs of the respective countries.

These countries were Saudi Arabia, Libya, Serra Leone Algeria and Indonesia. Saudia Arabia was the only project that was accepted, designed and a proposal of $59,500,000 USD was submitted. It never went ahead.

Richard was very active and enjoyed participating in all the school projects his three daughters were involved in. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and looked forward as each season came around.

Friends are cordially invited to visitation with family in the parlor of Katy Funeral Home on Wednesday 01/29/2025 at 10 AM, located at 23350 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77494.

The Funeral Service will be conducted at Katy Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Following the service all are invited to greet the family during a reception from 12:00-2:00 PM in the parlor of Katy Funeral Home.

Following the reception, there will be an interment at 2:30 PM at the Memorial Oaks Cemetery 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston, TX 77079.

Please, in lieu of flowers, usual remembrances or contributions may be donated to the charity of your choice.