Richard Don Utterback

Richard Don “Pops” Utterback, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away at age 85, at his home in Bridge City, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones on August 19, 2024. Born to Otto and Freida Utterback on March 1, 1939, in Delta, Iowa, he was the youngest of 11 children.

Pops’ early years were shared with his siblings creating a tapestry of memories filled with laughter and camaraderie on his father’s farm in Iowa. After graduating high school, he served as Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force where he was stationed in The Philippines and Korea before returning to the states. When he retired from the US Air Force, he started his career as a supervisor at Southern Iron & Metal in Beaumont, Texas where he later retired.

In 1966, Pops’ heart led him to the altar where he married his soulmate and beloved wife of 58 years, Donna Lyn Gay. Together, they embarked on a journey of love, partnership and family, welcoming their five children: Marie Rhoney, Sean (wife, Heather) Utterback, Scott (wife, Joe) Utterback, Jay Utterback (former wife, Cheryl) and Jud (wife, Zadrianne) Utterback. Richard was a devoted father, known for coaching his son’s little league baseball games, where he taught not just the rules of the game but the values of teamwork and perseverance. He had a love for fishing where he found solace in the serenity of nature. His ‘breakfast for dinner’ was a family tradition that his beloved daughter-in-law is sure to miss.

Pops was an avid Nascar and NFL fan. He stayed true to the Earnhardt Racing Family, you could hear the roar of the engines from outside the house as he and Donna watched the races side by side every Sunday. He was a diehard Rams fan, while Donna is a diehard Eagles fan, it was house divided on that game day with little words said to each other when ultimately one of their teams had to lose. In his younger adult years, you could find Pops under the hood of a car with one of his sons working to make that car a little faster for the next race, making memories to last a lifetime. He loved watching his youngest son, Jud, race on the weekends at the local dirt track, he and Donna never missed a race, sitting side by side right there at the finish line.

Pops’ legacy is carried on by his adored grandchildren: Stephen, Scotty, Kali, Laramie, Chloe, Jayden, Justin, Jessica and Jude Ollie. Each of them with special memories of their grandpa. He also leaves behind several great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and youngest son, Jud Utterback. Richard’s memory is honored and kept alive by his loving wife Donna, his children and their loving spouses and his cherished grand and great grandchildren.

Richard Don “Pops” Utterback’s story is one of dedication, love and unwavering commitment to his family. He will be deeply missed, but the seeds he planted in the hearts of those who knew him will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.

Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home will handle his final wishes of cremation. There will be no public services but a small intimate gathering of relatives and close friends at a later date. Friends and family can leave remembrances on the funeral home website.