Burt Steward Richards

Burt Steward Richards: A Steward of the Land, Livestock and Family Burt Steward Richards, a lifelong cattleman, dedicated community leader, and devoted family man, died August 9, 2025, in Fairfield, Texas. A man whose life was rooted in integrity, hard work, and service, Burt leaves behind a lasting legacy in the cattle industry and in the communities and family he cherished. Born on April 3, 1943, in Teague, Texas, to Joseph Webster Richards, Jr. and Margaret Steward Richards, Burt's connection to the land was formed early. He was raised at Maysel Ranch in Freestone County, surrounded by the land and cattle that would shape his life's work. He learned that stewardship meant more than just working the land; it meant caring for it, improving it, and passing it down to future generations. He carried this philosophy with him through every chapter of his life. His family continues to operate the cow-calf and stocker business he established. Burt attended Fairfield schools and was a football standout playing fullback and middle-linebacker. He also held the district track record for the 'mile' for many years. After graduating from Fairfield High School in 1962, Burt attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Range Science. His education laid the foundation for a career rooted in responsibility and a deep commitment to agriculture. In 1966, Burt married Janie Goforth of Jacksonville, Texas, in what many recall as one of the largest weddings in East Texas. They began their married life in College Station, Texas, while Burt completed his degree. Afterward, they returned to Maysel Ranch, which remained their home for the next fifty-nine years. Their four children, Rainey, Robin, Joe, and Margo, were born in 1968, 1969, 1971, and 1973, and delivered by Dr. L.L. Bonner in Fairfield, the same doctor who delivered Burt in 1943. A day in the life of Burt Richards was always long, but raising a family on a ranch was working together and being able to be with them. A fun time for Burt was the wild cow milking event at the Teague 4th of July Rodeo, an event he won in his younger years. Throughout the years, Burt and Janie eagerly traveled the world to watch their children and grandchildren compete in basketball, rodeo, rowing, rugby, livestock shows, cricket, track, water polo, football, and cheerleading. Burt's career began as a cattle buyer for Texas Farm Bureau and Foley-Allen. He quickly earned a reputation for his deep knowledge of cattle and his unwavering commitment to fairness, honesty, and trust. Later, he owned and operated Navarro County Livestock Auction, Buffalo Livestock Commission and Diamond Cattle Feeders. Known for his expertise and mentorship, Burt helped shape the cattle industry as we know it today. He was recognized as Freestone County Agricultural Producer of the Year in 2000 and received the Livestock Marketing Association's Industry Leader Award in 2008. Burt served in leadership roles on numerous boards and committees, ensuring that Texas farmers and ranchers had a voice in key decisions. As board president of both the Texas Land Bank and the Livestock Marketing Association of Texas, he traveled to Washington, D.C. and championed policies that protected agricultural livelihoods. While serving as a judge for LMA's Livestock Auctioneer Contest, he represented the cattle industry across the U.S. He also served as president of Navasota Valley Electric Cooperative and played an integral role on committees of the Texas Beef Council and the Governor's Producers' Advisory Committee. Locally, he gave his time to the Fairfield ISD Board of Trustees, First United Methodist Church, the Freestone County Appraisal District Board, the Freestone/Limestone Farm Service Agency, and the Beef and Forage Committee, always seeking to preserve and strengthen the communities he loved. More than his titles and accomplishments, Burt was a man who understood that the land is both a gift and a responsibility. He believed in leaving things better than he found them, whether a pasture, a business, or a friendship. Those who knew him will remember his wisdom, his wit, his generosity and the strength of his handshake. A friend, at the early morning 'roundtable,' once said he was the best raconteur he had ever known. Burt was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Jane Ella Goforth Richards; daughter, Rainey Richards Hicks and husband, Chad; daughter, Robin Richards Pensini and husband, Evan; son, Joseph Allen (Joe) Richards and wife, Brandalyn; and daughter, Margaret Elizabeth (Margo) Richards. He is survived by grandchildren: Gavin Burt Pensini and wife, Hannah; Fraser Allen Pensini and wife, Chenique; Lawson Todd Pensini; Preston Evan Pensini; Madalyn Steward Richards; Lucy Leath Richards; Parker Weldon Hicks; and Katherine Richards (Kappy) Hicks; as well as one great-grandson, Frederick Rudolf Pensini. He is also survived by one brother, Jerry Richards, and wife, Pam, and numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy will live on in the family he cherished, the cattle he tended, the industry he strengthened, and the countless lives he touched. The family would like to express their gratitude for the support of Bristol Hospice, including Kristi Pollard, Mya Lee, and Dave Bibel; to the staff at Fairview Healthcare; to caregivers Nikki Miller and Tiina Jones; and to Hearts of Gladys. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Fairfield, Texas, on August 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. Visitation with the family will follow the service at a reception at The Venue at G Bar Ranch, 109 FM 833, Fairfield, TX. Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Mount Street, Fairfield, Texas, 75840 and to: The Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas, 77840 or online https://Tx.Ag/Rodeo and select the account for Dr. Al Wagner Endowment. Please include in the 'Additional Comments' that it is in memory of Burt S. Richards '66.