Evelyn Strange Sexton Richards, age 100, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Born on September 8, 1925, in Moody, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of James Commodore Strange and Jimmie Clara Gent Strange.
Evelyn spent over 35 years serving the Temple community as a dedicated and talented beautician, building lasting friendships with those she cared for throughout her career. She was a faithful member of Oak Park United Methodist Church in Temple, where her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched many lives.
Evelyn’s life was marked by love and resilience. Her first husband, Sam Sexton, tragically lost his life while serving in the Korean War. On August 6, 1955, she married Earl Richards in Temple, Texas. Together they shared over 70 years of marriage, building a life filled with devotion and family. From 1965 to 1982, Evelyn and Earl lived in Alexandria, Louisiana, before returning to Temple, which remained their home.
She is survived by her loving husband, Earl Richards of Temple; her children, daughter Sammye Davis and husband Ted of Temple, and son David Sexton and wife Alice of Spring, Texas; and her cherished grandchildren, James Sexton of Houston, Steven Davis and wife Gina of Huntsville, Alabama, Jessica Rutland and husband Lance of Montgomery, Texas, and Lu Borgas of Temple. Evelyn was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is further survived by her sister, Sue Goff of St. Joseph, Missouri.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Sam Sexton; three brothers; three sisters; and a great-grandson.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple, with funeral services following at 3:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Moffat Cemetery.
Evelyn will be remembered for her grace, strength, unwavering love for her family, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable century of life.
