William Richbourg

JUDGE WILLIAM DENVA RICHBOURG
1913-2008

Judge William Denva Richbourg died at his home on Saturday, April 26, 2008. He was born on November 18, 1913, in Florala, Alabama, the son of Pearle Idell Strickland and William Allen Richbourg. When his father went to work for the L&N Railroad, the family moved to Pensacola where 'Denva' grew up with his two sisters during the depression. He liked to tell the story about his years playing football for Pensacola High School, where he wore underwear made of 'feed sacks'. Of course this caused many a fight that led to a growing respect among his peers. He graduated at the age of 15 and headed for the University of Florida, where he studied law. After earning his law degree he moved back to Pensacola, met and married his bride (of 66 years), and began his legal career. He remained an avid fan of Florida football for the remainder of his life. He was called to active duty with the U S Army in 1941. He and his bride moved from army base to army base while he attended various military training schools prior to being shipped to Europe. Capt. Richbourg served throughout Europe with the 343rd Field Artillery Bn., 90th Inf. Div., a member of Patton's 3rd Army, where he earned 2 Bronze Stars with valor. Upon returning from the war in September 1945, Denva and Margaret moved to Lakewood, Fl. In 1947 he moved his family back to Pensacola where he resumed his career of practicing law and later became a Municipal judge for 21 years. He also was a member of the 361st Civil Affairs Bde. USAR, where he retired with the rank of Lt Col. After retiring in 1976, and spending a short time in Lakewood, they returned to the Pensacola area and spent the last 12 years in their home in Lillian, Alabama.
'Big Daddy', as he was known to his family, is survived by his three sons, William B. Richbourg (Becky) of Pensacola, Kirke M. Richbourg (Carol) of Oklahoma, Britton M. Richbourg (Sandy) of Louisiana, his daughter, Margaret R. Barrett (Pearce) of Tallahassee, 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home in Pensacola, on Monday, April 28th between 4-6 pm. Funeral Service will be held at Barrancas Memorial Cemetery on NAS. Arrangements are being handled by Waters & Hibbert.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Covenant Hospice 6475 Van Buren St, Daphne, AL 36526 - or- to The Retired Veterans Assoc. in memory of Lt Col William D. Richbourg.
A heartfelt thanks for the wonderful and expert care given by Dr. Layne Yonehiro and his staff and to Dr Kate Thomas, nurses and aides with Covenant Hospice. A Special thank you to his close friends and neighbors, the Lee's and his devoted caregivers, Rose Grant, Judy Aho, Linda Scott, and the staff of Gulf Coast Senior Care of Foley.