Richard Franklin Thistlethwaite

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Franklin Thistlethwaite, 56, of Missouri City, Texas. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle with cancer on January 28, 2026.

Richard was born in Castro Valley, California, on February 3, 1969. He grew up between the San Francisco Bay Area and Houston, Texas. He graduated from Clements High School and went on to attend Sam Houston State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology. While in college, he co-owned and operated a successful nursery and landscaping business.

It was during his time at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville that Richard met the love of his life, Jodi. They married in 1997 and shared 35 wonderful years together, building a beautiful life and raising their son, Blake.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Jodi; their son, Blake Thistlethwaite, and Blake’s fiancée, Abby Miller; his father, Bob Harris; his sister, Teresa Harris; and his two brothers, Javier Thistlethwaite and Mike Harris. He is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Harris. Family meant the world to Richard, he cherished countless laughs and treasured family vacations.

Richard’s lifelong passion was coaching baseball. He enjoyed a distinguished high-school coaching career at Westfield, Humble, Pearland, Lamar, and Elkins. In 2012, he joined Sun Coast Resources, where he greatly enjoyed working alongside his lifelong best friend, Kyle Lehne. For the last 10 years, Richard dedicated himself to various sports and baseball organizations in different capacities, including Baseball Factory, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Marucci Elite. He poured his heart into bettering young athletes throughout the Houston area and nationwide, helping them grow not just as players but as great young men.

A celebration of life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on February 6, 2026, at The Bridge Sugar Land, 802 Brooks Street, Sugar Land, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing The Coach T Foundation, a non-profit organization in Richard’s honor. It was his lifelong mission to support future baseball players in becoming outstanding young men. More details about the foundation will be shared during the celebration of life.

Richard, known affectionately as Coach T, touched countless lives with his dedication, warmth, and unwavering belief in others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.