Lawrence Harvey Richter

Lawrence Harvey Richter, lovingly known as "Dad" or "Grandpa," passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at the age of 97, in the comfort of his home. He was surrounded by love, with his beloved wife Burnies and the presence of his family, embraced by those he cherished.

Born on August 16, 1927, in Pine Springs, Fayette County, Texas, to Max Carl and Hertha Suess Richter, Lawrence grew up in the close-knit, German Lutheran farming community of Freyburg. The third of six children, he was born at home on the family’s 105-acre farm, where he learned the values of faith, hard-work, and resilience.

Rooted in his faith, Lawrence was baptized on September 4, 1927, at Salem Lutheran Church and confirmed on Palm Sunday, April 6, 1941. His confirmation verse, John 8:31-32—"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"—remained a guiding light throughout his life.

Drafted into the Army at age 18, Lawrence reported for duty on Christmas Day, 1945, and returned to Texas in 1947. Reflecting on his decision to leave the farm for Houston in 1948, he quipped, “I did not like milking those cows.”

Lawrence’s love for God, his wife Burnies, and his family defined his life. Married for an extraordinary 74 years, he and Burnies built a life rooted in faith, love, and service to others. Their journey began in 1948 when they met at her brother Anton’s wedding. Married on November 26, 1950, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Greens Creek, Texas, they raised four children—Michael, Peggy, Steven, and Terry—and were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A craftsman at heart, Lawrence possessed a remarkable ability to see potential in all things. From restoring old cars and refinishing antique furniture to crafting handmade dominoes, canes, and clocks, his creativity and ingenuity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. If something was broken, he would fix it or invent a solution, leaving behind countless treasures for family and friends.

Known as “Rick” at work, Lawrence was a master machinist at Texas Instruments, where he retired after 31 years. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to his home-based machine shop, where he fabricated parts for customers and friends. His work ethic, attention to detail and precision were unmatched.

In 1979, Lawrence and Burnies purchased land in Serbin, Texas, fulfilling their love for gardening and the outdoors. They enjoyed taking their grandchildren to the farm to fish, drive tractors, and explore. Known for their generosity, they shared truckloads of vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors, often canning or freezing what could not be given away. Even in their 90s, they delighted in riding their lawnmower to cut the grass.

Faith was the cornerstone of Lawrence’s life. A devoted member of the Lutheran church, he lived with gratitude for God’s blessings, carrying that faith into his work, relationships, and daily actions. His unwavering kindness, ready smile, and ability to see the good in all things left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

In his final years, Lawrence and Burnies were cared for by a group of loving caregivers—Tina Mosley, Olympia Simmons, Jackie White, Constance Butler, Janie Mosley, and Pebbles Provost— Reflecting his gracious spirit, Lawrence’s final words to his caregivers were, "Thank you".

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Hertha Richter; his brothers, Rubin and Robert Richter; his sisters, Doris Sander, Pearly Schuetze, and Verline Schulze; and his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Porchey Richter.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Burnies Richter, and their devoted family. Together, they raised four children: Michael Richter and wife Georgann; Peggy Scheel and husband Mark; Steve Richter and wife Holly; and Terry Richter and wife Susan O’Carroll. Lawrence’s greatest legacy is his loving family, who were his pride and joy.

Michael and Georgann’s family includes their daughters Andrea Allen, with her children Caleb, Toby, and Spencer; Erin Wood, with her husband Josh and their children Charlotte, Haddon, and Audrey; and Marta, with her husband John and their children Ansley, Brynleigh, and Ryland. Peggy and Mark’s family includes their sons Jeffrey Scheel, Gregory Scheel and his son Logan, and Brian Scheel. Steve and Holly’s family includes their daughters Courtney Dickens, with her husband Kyle and their children Greer and Hayes; Stephanie Jackson, with her husband Henry and their children Sloane, Everly, Blythe, and Daria; and their son Grant Richter, with his wife Cynthia and their children Oliver and Elias. Terry and Susan’s family includes their son Matthew Richter, with his wife Lisa and their son Theodore; their daughter Meredith Richter; and their son Mitchel Richter.

Though Lawrence has departed this earthly life, he now lives fully in the presence of his Savior, Jesus. His legacy of kindness, creativity, faith, and love endures in the generations he nurtured with care and devotion. As his family and friends reflect on his life, they find comfort knowing it was a testament to the values he held most dear: a steadfast faith in God, an unwavering love for his family, and a boundless joy in teaching and creating.