Born April 26, 1945 in Pasco, Washington to Gladys and Raymond Mundt, he was proud to be raised in Victoria, Texas after his father’s Navy service ended. Although an only child, Richard cherished hishigh school friends and the great memories they made his entire life. Some highlights include welding at his dad’s shop, building cars in the garage and helping form a group to race at what is now the Victoria Regional Airport.
Richard graduated from Victoria High School in 1963 and from Sam Houston State University with a degree in business in 1967. That same year he met his future wife, Connie Anderson Mundt, at a stop light. Although barefoot and wearing a t-shirt, it didn’t hurt his chances with her that he was driving a yellow 1963 Corvette that became hers after they were married three months later. Together they had two children also raised in Victoria, Debbie and David. Last February, Richard and Connie celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. They enjoyed their grandchildren and great grand-child, going to their farm, cheering for the Spurs and spoiling their two dogs.
After working in the corporate world in Houston, Richard and his family returned to Victoria in 1974 to work in the family ranch and welding business – Industrial Manufacturing Company and help care forhis grandmothers, Hettie Mernitz Mundt and Lydia Eckhardt Mahler. Always a deep and positive thinker, Richard had many entrepreneurial ventures throughout his life, but devoted most of his time to his real estate investments and his company Maintenance Systems. Whether clients, workers or renters, he was a friend to all.
Although he worked hard taking care of others, Richard had vast interests. Always curious and wanting to gain knowledge, his passions included the Bible, history, muscle and antique cars, science, technology,space exploration, trivia, talk radio, Fox News, learning Spanish, his family heritage, and RC boats and helicopters. Recently he came up with ethical dilemmas in engineering thesis ideas for a grandson in college. His intellect was hard to match.
Richard cherished maintaining his family farm in Mission Valley, in the family since the mid-1800’s. Another project bringing great pride, was his and Connie’s donation of his beloved great-grandparent’shistoric homestead in Cuero, Texas to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, now restored as the first English-German School (set to open summer 2019).
Known for being generous and kind, throughout his life Richard truly embodied both the story of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37, which gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in needwherever we find them, and I Peter 4:10-11 whichteaches that the gifts we have, we are given to share. Richard was a true friend to the down-trodden and would help anyone in any situation. Whether giving a home, co-signing a car loan, buying a meal, teaching to weld or drive, helping with problems orbeing a listening ear, he took pure joy in helping family, friends and strangers. He had a profound love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, listening daily to evangelical messages.
A private family service was held at Memory Gardens to honor his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Richard’s name may be made to The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum English-German School at chisholmtrailmuseum.org (302North Esplanade, Cuero, TX 77954), Samaritan’s Purse at samaritanspurse.org (POBox 3000, Boone, NC 28607) or to the charity of your choice.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapels.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5