Ransom Allen Richards, Jr.

Ransom Allen Richards, Jr., known as 'Allen', born February 25, 1915, passed away March 2, 2003 en route home after having celebrated his 88th birthday with friends. Allen died happily, at peace with his life and ready to meet his Lord.

Allen is survived by his wife, Margaret; two sons, Byron and Gary; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; godson, Rai Stamps, stepdaughter, Gail Smith and husband Ken of Silver City NM; sisters, Edith McNeill and husband Mac, and Lucille Culpepper and husband Fred, both of Houston; nephews, Don Beckner and wife Linda, of Houston, Fred Beckner and wife Carolyn, of CA; nieces, Amanda Bandy of Cortez, CO, Dr. Mary Lou Rogers and husband Charles of Atlanta, GA, Laurie Williams and husband Maurice of Devonshire, England.

Allen was born to Amanda Culp Richards and Ransom Allen Richards, Sr., of Bearden, Arkansas.

A graduate of Ball High School in Galveston, Texas at 15 years of age, Allen graduated at an early age because of his intellect, and as a result of numerous family moves. It seems every time Allen's father, a railroad man, had to relocate the family, Allen skipped a grade.

Allen's first career was as a computer technician at IBM in the day of punch cards and paper tape.

Allen later co-founded General Electronics of Houston, Texas, now Spectrum Corporation a company that pioneered electronic score boards and display devices. Allen maintained ties with the Company management many years after his retirement.

Allen's affinity for the technical was also manifest in his skill as an amateur radio operator. An avid ham, Allen held a general license WA5JEC, and remained active as a member and director of Intertie, a local non-profit organization that promotes cooperation among radio amateurs.

Prior to his retirement to San Antonio, Allen was a rancher and 30 year resident of Blanco, Texas.

Allen was passionate about many things; his wife Margaret; his church, St. George Episcopal; his hobby, amateur 'ham' radio, his music piano and organ, and most of all, his faith.

In recent years, Allen chose to give of his time to numerous charitable causes, most notably Morningside Ministries of San Antonio where he participated in regular music ministry playing 30's and 40's tunes to the residents a skill learned by virtue of a $1 how-to book he purchased as a teenager.

As an active member of his church, Allen took great pleasure in being the anchor contributor to 'The Fund for St. George', which participation culminated in the completion of a new facility named 'The Richards Christian Learning Center' in honor of his and Margaret's support of that endeavor.

Flowers are appreciated, but the family asks friends and loved ones to consider their expression of love for Allen by making a contribution to the Fund for St. George or Morningside Ministries, both of San Antonio.