Richard L English

Richard L. English was born to Mozell English and Estelle Bowen- English, on the morning of December 27, 1920 in Alliance, Nebraska. Richard passed away on the afternoon of November 25, 2011, in his home where he and his wife Letha resided, in Menifee, California, attended by family and at the age of 90 years 10 months & 28 days.


Richard spent much of his childhood in Alliance, Nebraska. He enjoyed "hopping freight trains" with his brother Robert, playing in the neighborhood and snow sledding during the winter months. He was surrounded by cousins, aunts, and uncles for much of his childhood. He attended public schools in Alliance until age 15. During "The Great Depression" the family moved from Alliance to Los Angeles, California. This was his first long distance driving experience and he drove for much of the trip. He played football for Jefferson High School in Los Angeles and, he received his high school diploma at age 16. It was during this time that he met Artelia Georgie Saunders of Los Angeles, California. Five years later, on March 8, 1942 he and Artelia were married.


The union between Richard and Artelia lasted 59 years and ended upon Artelia's death, in 2001. Richard and Artelia were blessed with five children, Ailetra, Loweena, Georgie, Robbie, and Richard II. They became the grandparents of 15 grandchildren, the great-grandparents of 14 great-grandchildren, and the great-great-grandparents of 5 great-great grandchildren.


Their first home was Richard's parent's home on 48th Street in Los Angeles, next the couple moved to a four family flat on 51st Street. The couple purchased their first home located in Compton, California during 1954. They resided there until 1991; during 1991 they relocated to Fresno, California where Richard continued to live until September of 2002.
Richard was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier for 36 ½ years. For 25 of those years he was also employed by 20th Century Trucking Company.


Richard took some college courses when time permitted. He enjoyed reading, learning, traveling, and picnics with his family. He ensured that his family had annual vacations and frequent Sunday afternoon drives.
Richard was intelligent, creative and possessed many talents and skills. He was a gifted handyman, carpenter, and welder. He built seaworthy marine vessels from wood, for himself and his brother Robert! If he could think it, he'd try to create it! He had many hobbies and interests, including photography, fishing and during his younger days, hunting.
One of Richard's most enjoyable hobbies was playing golf; he often shared his passion for golf with others teaching his children, grandchildren, and anyone interested in the sport to play. He often could be found watching a golf tournament on television, analyzing and critiquing the performance and style of each player. Richard was just as passionate about his salvation as he was about golf and used the golf course as a place to boldly witness and recruit for the kingdom of God.
Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and tried to live what he believed. He "grew up in church". His father was a minister, and not attending church, was not an option for him. He grew to "love the Lord" to revere him and to share his faith. He and his wife raised their children to be "God fearing". He remained active in worship and served as a Deacon for Compton First Church of God. He had a beautiful resounding baritone voice, and used it to glorify god, while singing in choir or worshiping from a pew. During his final days he often shared his singing with others and to comfort and console himself.


After Artelia passed away, Richard married Letha LaVonne Stafford -Douglas of Fresno, California. They enjoyed 9 years of marriage. During September of 2002 Richard and Letha moved from Fresno to Menifee, California. He was devoted to his wife Letha, and they enjoyed their years and travels together.


Richard is preceded in death by his parents Mozell and Estelle English, his wife Artelia G. Saunders-English, his step-daughter Tamara Lynn Douglas Church his brother Robert English, his sisters Corrine English-Lewis, and Ida Lee English –Smith, his nephews William English and Sonny Lewis, his nieces; Rosemary Sanford, Ruth Durousseau, his cousins; Albert Bowen, Harriet Joe, Alseen Curtis, Willa C Epann, and Lucille Daniels, and his great grandson Roberto Larry Bluitt.


Richard L. English is survived by his wife of 9 years Letha English, his children; Ailetra DeLaCruz and her husband Robert DeLaCruz, Loweena Davis and her husband Spencer Davis, Georgie Greene and her husband Simeon Greene, Robbie Simpson and her husband Alan Simpson, Richard L. English II and his wife Donna English, his step-children; Gary Douglas and his wife Jan Douglas, Randy Douglas and his wife Elizabeth, his grandchildren; Ailetra Bluitt, Renee' Bluitt, Roberta Mason, Bache' Davis, Camille Burge, Kanea' Gaines, Rachel DeLaCruz, Simeon Greene Jr., Toni Ross, Christopher Greene, Alan Simpson Jr., Richard L. English III, Zuri Simpson, Bryce English, and Blake English, his step-grandchildren Gary Douglas Jr., Corey Douglas, Brandon Douglas, Mindy Walker, Sarah Dominguez, Terah Noriega, George Noriega , Darren Church, Jacqlyn Church his great-grand children; Rodney Lynch, Donald Bluitt, Christina , Julian Nichols, Arny Connor Jr., Eugene Connor, Jarrett Connor, Myles Connor, Aleah Bluitt, Davey Bluitt II, Dylan Gaines, Mia Ross, and Shelby Ross, his; step-great-grand children; Ciara Douglas, Carlee Douglas, Mariah Dominguez, Austin Walker, Brooklyn Walker, and Reese Church, his great-great- grandchildren; Rodney Lynch II., Roberto Larry Lynch, Donald Bluitt II, Don-Jay Bluitt, and De-rey Bluitt.