Hobart "Hoby" "Rich" Hickman Richards

Hobart Hickman Richards was born on April 28, 1945, in Houston, Texas. He passed away on November 15, 2020, at his home in Crosby, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia Dell Dyer and Sidney Levi Richards. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joyce Burney Richards; brother, Harrell Richards and wife, Vickie of Houston, Texas; son, Wesley Richards and wife, Drenda of Conroe, Texas; daughter, Christie Reynolds of Clear Lake, Texas; daughter, Toni Bird and husband, Cody and grand-daughter, Brianna of Spring, Texas; grand-daughter, Brittney Payne and husband, Matt and great-grand-daughter, Mady of Victoria, Texas. Other survivors include Janice Burney Phillips of Spring, Texas; Jerry Burney and wife, Kathy, of Huffman, Texas; B.J. “Joey” Burney and wife, Raina, of Bentonville, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hoby was a “military brat”. His Dad was a U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instructor. On several occasions, Hoby recalled the many cross country train trips that he, his brother and his Mother would take in order to move to his Dad’s duty station.

As a teenager, Hoby became interested in fast cars and big motors. At the age of 15, he went to work for and was mentored by a neighbor who owned an auto repair shop. He learned everything that he could about the mechanics of a car and how to make it go faster. He became a top notch auto mechanic. He and his friends were mesmerized by street racing. Every Saturday night, they would meet other motorheads at Prince’s Hamburgers Drive-In on Jensen Drive and afterwards head over to Rankin Road or the Lake Houston Bridge to find out who had the fastest car. On one occasion, a Harris County Sheriff’s Dept. Officer was waiting for them. After the race was over, Hoby and his friends were taken to the Humble City Jail where they appeared before Judge Lee the next morning. This was not his first time to face the judge. Judge Lee gave him a choice of punishment: go to jail or enlist in the Army. Hoby served in the U.S. Army from 1965 – 1971 with the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was stationed at several missile sites in the United States and elsewhere. He served two years in Germany, where he acquired a thorough knowledge of heavy diesel engines. Upon his return to the states, Hoby landed a job with the Southern Pacific Railroad as a diesel mechanic and later worked in the heavy maintenance shop. It was a labor intensive job, but Hoby and his buddies always found time to antagonize coworkers and supervisors through pranks and shenanigans. Hoby retired in 2005 after 33 years of service with the railroad.

In the fall of 1980, Hoby met the love of his life, Joyce, at a little gathering spot in Humble, Texas, called “The Boondocks”. Upon introduction, “Hoby” became “Rich”. It was love at first sight for both of them. In 1982, they were married at a simple ceremony at home - two families became one. Rich and Joyce raised their 2 daughters in Crosby, Texas

Rich was a friend to all. Conversation came easy to him. He was a gentleman who would offer a helping hand to those in need. He will be remembered for his fun loving personality, his kindness to others, his love for his family, fast cars and fishing, his stubbornness, and his never give up attitude. He was a man of faith and chose to worship the Lord in his own way.

A special thanks to some very special people:

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Lymphoma/Myeloma Unit

Katie Grimm,

Jane Collins

Omnix Hospice

In memory of Hobart H. Richards, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts. Please designate Lymphoma/Myeloma Research.

Jesus said…”I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” John 11:25.26

A private family inurnment will occur at Houston National Cemetery at a later time.