E. Richard Crum

E. Richard Crum, known affectionately to all as Richard, was a beacon of tenacity and generosity, whose life journey began on June 1, 1940, in Mission, Texas. On September 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, Richard's remarkable story reached its peaceful conclusion in Ascension Seton Hospital, Kyle, Texas. His legacy of determination and kindness is one that will forever light the way for those he has left behind.

Richard's life was one of purposeful dedication, both to his beloved family and to the countless lives he touched through his professional work. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Delores Crum, his daughter Mary (Crum) Arana, his son Rick, stepdaughter Angela Nussel, stepson Steven Smith, and a thriving lineage of 12 grandchildren, 3 bonus grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter. Each family member was a precious thread in the rich tapestry of his life.

An advocate for education, Richard earned his BA degree from Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas, and later, a Master's in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. His social services career culminated in his role as Assistant Commissioner for Income Assistance Programs with the Department of Human Services. His public-sector work spanned two decades, during which he held increasingly responsible, and impactful positions.

Richard's entrepreneurial spirit led him to further success in the latter half of his career. Alongside Delores, his flagship company, Home-Tech Industries, provided home energy assistance to low-income households throughout Texas. His ventures, including the founding of Budget Storage and Parking and co-founding Premiere Events, showcased his business acumen. As a real estate investor and land speculator, Richard's foresight and determination helped pave the way for a family legacy of growth and prosperity.

His zest for life extended beyond his professional achievements. Richard, together with his wife, charted a course of adventure across the globe. Their travels took them to all 50 US Capitol cities, Canada's National Capitol, all 10 Canadian Provincial Capitals, and numerous capitals throughout Europe. At home, Richard found solace and joy in piecing together jig-saw puzzles that captured the essence of his travels, featuring cats, birds, and scenic beauty.

Intelligent, generous, and kind-these words barely scratch the surface of the man Richard was. His life philosophy was one of boundless optimism and unwavering resolve. He was inspired by the words of industry titans, often quoting sound advice from Henry Ford and Marshall Field. Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, and Kahlil Gibran's the Prophet were among his favorites works. Richard's life exemplified the will to embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth and each success as a stepping stone for the next endeavor.

Richard's life was a masterclass in the art of living with purpose and passion. He was a mentor to many, sharing his wisdom and insights freely. His philosophy of life was one of continuous learning and giving, a cycle that enriched not only his own experience but also the lives of those he encountered.

Today, as we reflect on the life of E. Richard Crum, we are inspired by his unwavering spirit and heart of service. His story serves as a powerful reminder that the legacy we leave is not only in material wealth, but in the lives we touch and the love we share. Let Richard's memory be a guiding light to us all, encouraging us to face life's challenges with courage and to embrace its joys with gratitude. Richard's journey may have reached its sunset, but the paths he forged and the lives he illuminated will continue to shine brightly, guiding us toward a future filled with hope and the promise of a life well-lived.

You may make a memorial contribution in Richard's memory to PAWS, https://pawsshelter.org/donate/.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.