Roll Call Tribute

Robert Lynn Richards 

August 8, 1952 - September 21, 2024 

Robert Lynn Richards was born August 8, 1952, and passed away September 21, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his parents Minnie Richards and Cecil Richards, sister Violet Richards, stepson Jeremy Southard. Robert is survived by his spouse, Rita Richards, children Houston (Hannah) Richards, of Colleyville, Texas, Captain James Richards United States Army (Tara) of Lawton, Oklahoma, Gordon Richards of Rexburg, Idaho, Travis (Katelyn) Richards of Rexburg, Idaho; stepson Kevin (Angelia) Kimbel of Hodgenville, Kentucky; grandchildren Knox Richards, Theodore Richards, Byrdie Richards, Iyla Richards, Reagon Richards, Payton Richards, Kayla Southard, Timmy Southard and Billy Guthrie.

Robert Lynn Richards was born in Big Spring, Texas, while his father was serving in the U.S. Air Force. As a young boy, he moved to England with his family due to his father’s military service. The family later settled in Bossier, Louisiana, where his father retired from the Air Force, and Robert spent most of his youth. Robert graduated from Airline High School in 1970, where he was a member of the band and learned to play the trumpet, a skill he cherished throughout his life. He could play songs by ear, and truly loved music. He would play at night with Houston who was not the gifted musician that his father and mother were but enjoyed the time spent.

After high school, Robert attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1974 with a degree in Microbiology. He had a deep love for his alma mater and could always remember the score of the University of Texas and Texas A&M University football games from the years he was at the college. He began his career with Halliburton in Odessa, Texas, and later moved to El Dorado, Kansas, where he continued his work after Halliburton was acquired by Hydro-chem. He eventually retired from Hydro-chem and worked for Rocky Mountain Industrial Services until he finally hung up his coveralls. Robert’s career took him all over the United States, working in refineries and power plants. Despite his extensive travels, he never boarded an airplane, preferring to drive everywhere. Those he worked with were lifelong friends to him.

Robert had many hobbies that showcased his attention to detail. He enjoyed making model airplanes and tanks, woodworking and gardening in his backyard, where he grew okra, tomatoes, peppers, corn, squash and more. He also helped with state fair projects with his sons, loved to read books about history and fiction (with favorite authors including Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler), built model trains in the basement, and collected coins with his sons. He helped coach Houston’s basketball team, sponsored by Hydro-chem, and enjoyed bird hunting with the family German Shorthairs, Zeus and Dutchess. Robert had a lifelong love for Boston Terriers, a passion inherited from his mother, Minnie. He was known for his honesty, bluntness and hardworking nature. Robert had a unique sense of humor found often with those who have known hard work. Robert Lynn Richards will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family will live on the hearts of those who knew him.