Richard David Mueller

Richard was born on August 30, 1932, in St. Louis MO. He attended Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy formally known as University of Missouri at Rolla. His engineering studies were interrupted while serving a tour of duty as a Radioman in the U.S. Army where he achieved the rank of Corporal. Rich returned home to complete his Civil Engineering degree at UMR. He joined Sigma Pi fraternity and met and married the love of his life, Willa “Pud” Grove from Granite City, IL. He launched his 35-year career with Shell Oil in 1957 as an entry level engineer and retired as the Manager of Marketing Engineering and Retail Facilities Engineering in 1992. Throughout his career, Rich was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.

Rich was a devoted father and husband. Because his job required travel, he made the most of time spent at home. He created close bonds with his children by sharing stories, playing games, helping with homework, and was known to put a record on to dance with his girls. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement.

During their retirement years, Rich and Pud enjoyed traveling, especially cruising around various parts of the world. Rich enjoyed playing golf and working on projects around the house. When not traveling, they divided their time between Houston and their lake house in Holiday Shores on Lake Livingston. As a couple, they volunteered at a local hospital, where Pud rocked babies in the nursery and Rich floated between departments, serving where needed. Once they became grandparents, their focus was spending as much time as possible with the grandchildren.

Richard is preceded to be with his heavenly Father by his loving wife, Willa Mae (nee Grove) Mueller and daughter Kathy Mueller.

He is survived by his children, Jeff, (Jeanne) Mueller, Cynthia (Charlie) Crocker, and Jan Mueller; Grandchildren, Rebecca (Kyle) Done, Ian Mueller Jarosh, Victoria (Jerrad) Corrigan, Avery (Matthew) Lonardo, Matthew (Nicole) Crocker and Michael (Gretchen) Crocker; Great Grandchildren, Amaya Crocker, Cadence Crocker and Aria Crocker.

His memory will be cherished by all who knew him as a good and faithful servant guided by his faith.

A Celebration of Life service will be held December 14, 2024, 2:00pm at Kinsmen Lutheran Church.

12100 Champion Forest Dr.

Houston, TX

(281) 444-3126

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.