John Reynolds Richards

John R. Richards, 82, of College Station passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be Thursday, May 19th from 6-8 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. A service celebrating the life of John Richards will be led by Pastor Craig Yates on Friday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Bryan.

John was born to Harry & Ethel Richards on May 30,1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri in 1951. John was an Air Force veteran serving his country during the Korean War. John joined Texas A&M University in 1973 and spent his entire Aggie career as the Texas A&M Scheduling & Services Manager until he retired in 1994. John was a founding member and President of the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International. John also served on the initial advisory board of the Brazos Center, initial advisory board of the Aggie Hostel, Bryan College Station Hotel Association board, Brazos County A&M Club Board of Directors, City of College Station Zoning Board of Adjustments, and multiple citizen committees for the city of College Station. John was an active member of the College Station Noon Lions Club. Through the years John’s distinguished service was recognized by the many organizations he served including the Aggie Mother’s Clubs, the Division of Student Services, and the Memorial Student Center Council.

John loved people and made new friends everywhere he went. He always had a twinkle in his eye, an incredibly positive outlook on life and an anticipation for what each new day would hold. John always believed the best of everyone and never spoke an ill word of anyone. He particularly enjoyed meeting with his 2 o’clock coffee club at Albertson’s each week and will be greatly missed from the lively conversations held there. John also loved Aggie basketball and has been a season ticketholder for as long as he has been in College Station, even in the lean years. He and his wife, Jeannie, were active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. John grew in his faith and love for Christ, his Savior, over the past several years while worshipping there.

John was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Jane Faulkner, and a grandson, Brian Watson.

John loved his wife and family with an unconditional love that knew no bounds. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Jeannie Richards, daughters Donna Warnock and husband John of Grapevine, Laura Fisher and husband Dave of Katy, Diana Watson and husband Benton of Cameron, Lisa Sutphen of Bryan and sons Paul Sutphen of San Marcos, and Scott Sutphen and wife Kim of Bryan. John is also survived by grandchildren David and Michelle Warnock of Grapevine, Tony Fisher and wife Adriana of Portland, Oregon, Colin Croteau of Katy, Scott and Gracie Fisher of Katy, Julie Hurst and husband Dale of Madisonville, Ross Watson of Houston, Kaylie Heimann of Bryan, Clinton and Paige Sutphen of San Marcos, Stephen and wife Elyse Sutphen and Sheldon Sutphen of College Station. John’s great-grandchildren include Aiden Fisher, Emma and Haden Hurst, Josh and Jacob Sutphen. He is also survived by very special friends Anna and David Garcia and their daughter Marissa.