Richard Cunningham Harrel

Dr. Richard Cunningham Harrel passed peacefully at home in his favorite rocking chair October 8, 2023. He was born in 1935 in Ada, Oklahoma. He attended school in Ada and joined the Marine Corps in 1953 after graduating from high school. In his final year of military service he was stationed in McAlester OK where he met Beverly McLaughlin. It was not love at first sight, at least for Beverly, because she told him her name was Anna Marie Shields, her best friend’s name. He was persistent and finally found out her real name. They were married August 17, 1956. She was gregarious and outgoing, and he was quiet and modest, but the marriage lasted 65 years.

They moved to Ada, OK where Richard attended East Central Oklahoma University and he earned a BS degree in science, and his daughter Kellie was born. The family moved to Guthrie OK where he taught science in high school and middle school. He started working on his Master’s degree at Oklahoma State University, and his daughter Terri was born.

Richard then went to the University of Georgia where he received his Master’s degree in science education and his son Morgan was born. The family then went back to Oklahoma where he earned his PhD in zoology at Oklahoma State University.

He then took a position at Lamar University in Beaumont TX where he taught biology, limnology, aquatic entomology, ecology, and zoology. He received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Regents Merit Award for distinguished teaching. He was awarded the rarely accomplished “Triple Crown” of Lamar awards that include the University Scholar Award, selected Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, and the University Professorship for a Life medal, Lamar’s most prestigious academic honor. He was recognized by the 2009 US House of Representatives as the recipient of the Maxine Johnston Distinguished Service Award because of four decades of research, field studies and publications that benefited the Big Thicket region. When he retired from Lamar, he was awarded the title of Distinguished Regents Professor Emeritus of Biology.

He was the president of Clean Air and Water, a citizen’s environmental organization for over 40 years. He made a huge impact not only in the classroom, but also as an environmental leader. He helped make the Neches River a living river again. His legacy continues through his past students today.

Richard was a humble man who never expected accolades or honors. He would often say “I don’t need that", being content with the simplest things in life like a good book, fishing, his garden, and camping with his family. He was a common man who rarely talked about his uncommon abilities and remarkable achievements.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly Harrel, parents Gordan and Mary Harrel, sisters Florence Torres, Mary Lou Jones, brother Gordon Harrel, and his daughter Kellie Martin. He is survived by his daughter Terri Harrel and daughter-in-law Diane Hauser, son Morgan Harrel, Don Martin and spouse Shannon, granddaughters Lauren Hardman and spouse Jed, Caitlin Linduff and spouse Trent, great-grandchildren Kellie and Beverly Hardman and Martin and Sandy Linduff

To continue his legacy, consider contributing to the Dr. Richard C. Harrel Endowed Scholarship Fund. Send contributions directly with checks made out to Lamar University Foundation P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont TX 77710. Please indicate on the check notes it is for the Dr. Richard C. Harrel Endowed Scholarship Fund.

A Celebration of Life will be at Forest Lawn Funeral Home at 4955 Pine St, Beaumont, TX 77703 Saturday Oct, 21 at 10:00AM. All that knew, loved, or admired him are welcome.