Richard Donnelly

Small in height but not in stature, Richie was a true gentleman. He was a pilot, an oil and gas man, a voracious reader and student of many subjects, an unabashed progressive and humanitarian, and a supporter of projects to help the most vulnerable among us, both people and animals. Women adored him and men loved his company. Usually irreverent and occasionally inappropriate he was always quick with a wickedly funny thought.

Richie had a uniquely West Texas childhood, growing up in Odessa during the fifties and sixties. He grew up in small movable houses in oil company pipe yards. Known as the "little devil," he was the architect of enough hijinks with his brother and sister to drive his parents crazy. Too small to play football, he nevertheless lettered at Permian High School as the manager of the girl's swim team.

Flying planes was Richie's passion. Even after having a stroke a few years ago, he found a way to fly a couple of times a week. He particularly enjoyed flying with his friends and especially his sister, Britt. Richie was one of the pilots who flew advertising banners around Austin for years. His final entry into his pilot's logbook brought his total to over 3,500 hours.

Richie's life changed forever when he met his beloved wife, Susan. To a soundtrack of "Moonriver" that only they could hear, Susan never failed to delight him, and he was the partner she had waited for. Together they were involved in saving animals through Austin Pets Alive and committed to ensuring the City of Austin's status as a no-kill city. Richie never met an animal he couldn't reach, choosing to work with the most damaged dogs to gain their trust and prepare them for adoption. It was never easy for him to give up any of the pups Susan fostered and as a result their furry family was constantly growing.

Richie's sons, Baker and Evan were a constant source of pride. He may have been an unconventional father, but his love for them and interest in their accomplishments never flagged.

Richie was predeceased by his mother, Mary Lou Donnelly Holbrook; his sister, Britt Donnelly; and his nephew, Corbett Bishop. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Richard and Ann Donnelly of Midland and Santa Fe; his wife, Susan Morris of Austin; his two sons, Baker Donnelly and Evan Duncan of Austin; his brother, David Donnelly and Pat Strong of Houston; stepbrother, Tom Sikes of Austin; stepsisters, Liz Caress of Hobbs, Flo Hill and her children, Jason and Jessica Hill of Fort Worth, and Rainey Naughton of Fort Worth; aunts, Jean Donnelly of Midland, Peggy McConnell of Fort Worth, and Eleanor Parker of Dallas; cousins, Jan and Joey O'Neill, Robin and Jeanine Donnelly, Art and Linnie Donnelly, Robert and Mary Cocke, DeMaret Childress, Robinson Cocke, Jim Cheney, Susan Cheney, Mike and Patti McConnell, Rob Waddell, and Connie McConnell Presley; and by Richie's furry children, Rose, Wendell, Mena , Luly and Ling.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, Austin, Texas 78701. The family will receive friends before the service beginning at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Richie would want you to perform an unexpected act of kindness or make a donation to a fund in his name at Austin Pets Alive, 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78703 or electronically to [email protected].