Julian David Richards

Julian David “Rich” Richards, 95, was born in El Dorado Springs on Sept. 2, 1922, and died peacefully on March 8, 2018, in Lubbock, TX, after a brief illness.

He grew up on a farm in southwest Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in civil engineering, accounting and statistics. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII, he married his wife, Wilda Jean Morey, and they loved each other for over 72 years.

He worked as a petroleum engineer for Gulf Oil for 35 years. Gulf took him and his family to Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Amarillo, Texas and Wyoming. He served as Area Production Manager in Casper, WY over Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and North and South Dakota. He and his wife, Willie, retired to Lubbock, TX, and lived life fully there for 34 years.

He was a man of unwavering faith and love for his Lord. He was active in Boy Scouts and Kids Inc in Amarillo with his sons. He volunteered as a driver for the American Cancer Society and led the Baptist Men at Redbud Baptist.

He loved the mountains, skiing, camping, his church, coaching softball for his grandsons and watching sports on TV with his wife. But most of all he loved spending time with his family, sharing memories, playing croquet and playing with the youngest of his flock.

He is survived by his wife, Wilda; his daughter, Julie Wyrick (partner Sharon Mooney) of Lubbock; daughter-in-law, Diane Richards of Oklahoma City; son, Phil Richards (Shelley), of Flower Mound; his grandchildren – Todd Wyrick (Sarah) of Lubbock; Kelsey Howard (Jeff) of Oklahoma City; Jeff Wyrick (Erin) of Amarillo; Lindsey Crider (Caleb) of Richmond, VA; Jacey Godinez of Portland, OR; Allison Richards of Euless; Ashley Amerman (Josh) of Denton; and Andrew Richards of TTU Lubbock; great-grandchildren – Jonas and Meredith Crider; Parker, Peyton, Ellison and Grady Wyrick; Katie, David and Paige Howard; and Laura Mae Godinez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Julian and Lela Richards; his brother, Sanford Richards; his sister Carmen Dale; and his son Scott David Richards.

Celebration of his life will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, March 16, in the  Redbud Baptist Church, Lubbock. Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at the Venue on Broadway. The family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Memorials can be sent to Dederick Christian Church, 15104 S. AA HWY, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744, www.combestfamilyfuneralhomes.com.