Richard Allen Crandall Jr.

He was born in Anadarko, Oklahoma, on September 2, 1945, to Richard and Yvonna Crandall.

A graduate of Jesse H. Jones High School’s class of 1964, he enjoyed and often spoke fondly of his time in the FFA, being a “bird boy,” part of a group of students who were sworn to protect their mascot, the falcon, from rival school pranks. His teenage years included many trips to Garner State Park and camping and going to the dances in the summer with his friends. Richard made great lasting relationships with his high school friends, with whom he and Renee remained in contact and went on many cruises and trips to Las Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard, and mother, Yvonna. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Renee, his sons Richard and Chris, his daughter-in-law Katrina and his grandchildren Lee, Blake, Madeline, Lily and Grace. He is also survived by his brother Mike and sister-in-law Paula, his sister-in-law Lynn and husband Allen Pullin, sister-in-law Teresa and husband Will Hawthorne, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard proudly served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969 on the U.S.S Hermitage during the Vietnam War, operating along the Vietnamese coast, assisting amphibious operations, and transporting troops and equipment, docking in Da Nang. He served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1969 to 1971. Richard recalled his Navy career as an honor to serve his country and often spoke of the friends he made in the Navy.

Richard worked as a chemical plant operator for 40 years, first for Diamond Shamrock starting in 1973, for BF Goodrich, Geon in 1993, and for Oxy Vinyls in 1999. He retired in 2014.

He and Renee joined South Avenue Baptist Church in 1976, where he was ordained as a deacon and drove the church van on Sunday mornings to pick up those who needed a ride to church and many other church events. He also cooked for the church on Wednesday nights, worked with the youth, and taught adult men’s Sunday School.

Richard had a magnetic, outgoing personality. He loved to talk and visit with friends and family and had many interests. He loved to dance, and he and Renee joined a square-dancing club in the early eighties, with which they traveled and enjoyed square dancing with their friends. He was an avid cigar collector and became quite the golfer in his later years.

Richard and Renee loved traveling and taking cruises. Richard loved to surprise his wife with special gifts. For their 25th wedding anniversary, he planned a top-secret cruise a year out, getting vacation approval from Renee’s employer and enlisting him in the conspiracy. He also loved family vacations, taking many trips to Garner State Park and New Braunfels with his family over the years. Richard especially loved the Christmas season and would dress as Santa to visit hospitals as well as play Santa at company and church Christmas parties. Some of his children’s and grandchildren’s fondest memories of Richard are from how magical he made the holiday season each year.

A visitation for Richard will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598, US, on May 14, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and again on May 15, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Funeral will take place at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598, US, on May 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Committal will follow at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598, US, on May 15, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.