Richard Edward Mantler Jr.

Dick was born Nov. 5, 1940 in St. Louis, to R.E. Mantler, Sr. and Jeanette (Wessel) Mantler. He grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Webster Groves High School. At the University of Missouri at Rolla he majored in mining engineering with a petroleum engineering option, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree (with Honors). At Rolla he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Sigma Gamma Epsilon, an honorary earth science fraternity.

After graduation, Dick accepted a position with Standard Oil of California and moved to Taft, California. Soon after Dick returned to St. Louis and, in June 1965, obtained a Masters in Business Administration at Washington University.

With degrees in hand, Dick accepted a position with Exxon Chemicals America in Chicago. It was there, in the elevator of his apartment building, he met a neighbor in the building, Cindy Richardson. In May 1967 Cindy and Dick were married in their hometown of St. Louis. Soon after they were transferred from Chicago to New York City, where their son, Rick, was born in 1968.

The couple welcomed their many moves with Exxon: From New York City they were transferred back to Chicago, then Houston, to Hong Kong and back to Houston. Daughter Karen arrived in 1971 during their time in Chicago.

Throughout his career in the chemical business, Dick traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally. Through business and his membership in the Sulphur Institute (where he was chairman in 1995), he made numerous friends, many of whom shared his love of bird hunting and fishing.

Dick’s foremost hobby was competitive hunting events. He was an active member of the Texas Coastal Brittany Club. Over the years Dick’s Brittanys participated in field trials in Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Arkansas. His dogs won numerous awards, including runner-up in the national competition in Arkansas (Jake) and the dual championship of field and show (Kate).

After Dick retired from Exxon in 1999, he and Cindy settled into country life with a move to Fulshear. There Dick, Cindy, the dogs and horses Levi and Lucky, cats Charlie and O.C. enjoyed a laid-back life.

In early 2020 Cindy and Dick moved to Kingwood to be closer to Karen’s family. They were blessed by welcoming neighbors and are thankful for the love and support of Kingwood Methodist Church.

Dick is survived by Cindy, daughter Karen (Soliz), son-in-law, Jay, grandchildren Gracie and Max and brothers David and Jimmy. He is predeceased by his parents and son Rick.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, November 17 at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, Texas 77339

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kingwoodfuneralhome.com for the Mantler family.