Ralph E. Richard

Ralph Edward Richard, 79, of Hewitt, passed into the presence of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on November 27, 2024, when his faith became sight. He left his loved ones the greatest legacy of all, the knowledge that he is safe and secure with Jesus.

Ralph was born on December 13, 1944, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Ralph Carl and Elmer Geneva Richard, the youngest of three boys. The family moved to Texas when Ralph was young, where he grew up.

Ralph joined the Navy in 1962 and served 5 years 8 months as a Commissaryman and attained the rank of second class petty officer. On February 23, 1965, he and Sara were married and their first child was born in San Diego. Upon his discharge, they moved back to Dallas where they lived and added 3 more children to their family.

Ralph’s vocation was mechanic but on June 17, 1970, he received Jesus Christ as his Savior and his life was forever changed. He felt God’s call to preach and immediately surrendered to the Gospel ministry and served as pastor at churches in Nobility, Andrews, Gatesville, and Bremond, Texas. While pastoring at Gatesville, God allowed him to make a trip to Honduras, Central America, to visit the mission field and while there he felt God leading him to go there to serve. After raising financial and prayer support and attending Spanish language school, Ralph, Sara, and children set out for Honduras where they shared the good news of Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection from 1980 to 1987. Ralph truly loved to preach and teach the Word of God and to see people respond to the message. He was currently a member of Crossroads Baptist Church of Lorena.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Philip Perry, brother Earl Wayne Richard, infant daughter Susan Elaine, and son Stephen Allen Richard. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sara, daughter, Sara Lynn Brown, son, Ralph Edward Richard, Jr. and wife Sabrina, grandchildren, Zachary Brown, Kate Brown Ha and husband, Viet, Trey Richard, Cody Richard, Julia Richard, and great-granddaughter, Genevieve Elaine Ha. 

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Tunnel 2 Towers.