Richard Groos Slaughter

Born in San Antonio, Texas on October 26, 1946, Richard was the third of five children born to Hallie and George Owen Slaughter.

A proud graduate of St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Austin High School, and Duke University, Richard excelled academically and thoroughly enjoyed problem solving. Richard served as a US Army Intelligence Officer in Da Nang, Vietnam and earned The Bronze Star Medal during his tour of duty. It was no coincidence that he secured posts at nearby Fort Sam Houston and Camp Mabry while stateside. Proximity to friends and family were of utmost importance to him. He concluded his service to his country having achieved the rank of Captain.

In 1973, he married Karen Ann Schmidt of Austin, Texas. Together, they raised three boys and a handful of farm animals, feathered and furry. Richard had many wonderful qualities both learned and shared. He was honest, fair and compassionate with a quick wit and keen sense of humor. Richard loved deeply and those close to him knew it. The comfort and experience of others in his presence is how he would measure his own. He loved dogs, ranching and the quest for the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Some of his most cherished experiences with friends and family were in Dripping Springs at the family ranch, West Texas, the Rocky Mountains, Wisconsin, Civil War historical sites, interior Mexico and Europe.

Richard began his career in banking and worked with his father operating Slaughter Meat Packing Co. in downtown Austin. He retired after twenty years of serving as the Executive Director of the Austin Community Foundation. Richard also served on numerous boards including St. Andrew's Episcopal School and was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. He was always proud of how Austinites supported each other and was honored to serve so many wonderful organizations and people.

He was preceded in death by siblings, David Stuart Slaughter, George Owen Slaughter Jr., and Hallie Slaughter Casey; his father, George Owen Slaughter, and his mother, Hallie Groos Slaughter.

Richard is survived by his loving family: sister Elisabeth Slaughter Mooney and her husband Jerry Mooney of Dripping Springs, Texas; brother-in-law S. Tim Casey of Austin, Texas; his children and grandchildren: Richard Jr. and Emily Slaughter (Tres and Margret) of Austin, Texas, Robert and April Slaughter (Harrison) of Los Angeles, California, and Jody Slaughter of Bryan/College Station, Texas.

The burial service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr., Austin, Texas. Immediately following the burial, a celebration of Richard's life will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd with a reception to follow.