Richard Owen Robertson

1937 - 2025

Richard Owen Robertson, who was born in Portales, NM on July 18, 1937, died Saturday, December 13, 2025 at home, where he was happiest and most comfortable after a short illness. He was 88 years old. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 3:30 pm at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens, 1601 E Llano Estacado.
Pop was the eldest son of Horace Richard Robertson and Jewel Maxine Stewart and grew up in Clovis. He attended LaCasita and James Bickley Elementary Schools, Marshall Junior High School and Clovis High School where he graduated in 1955. On graduation, he went to work briefly for the railroad before enlisting in the Navy in 1956.
Pop's adventures began when he joined the Navy. He trained as a radioman and served for more than 25 years eventually reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer of which he was very proud. He served on the USS Sperry, the USS Henry County, the USS Monticello, USS Washtenaw County, USS Constellation, USS Providence and the USS Dubuque. He served most of his career in the Pacific, especially in Japan, where he met the love of his life, Fumiko Otao, on a blind date arranged by one of his shipmates.
On his retirement from the Navy, Pop and his family returned to Clovis. He went to Eastern New Mexico University and earned a degree in psychology. He worked as a social worker until he retired.
Pop was a Japanophile with a great interest in its history and culture. He greatly enjoyed traditional Japanese sports, such as kendo, sumo and archery. He also enjoyed being a member of the New Mexico Mounted Patrol, being the secretary for the Joint Veteran's Council and volunteering in the retired activities office at Cannon Air Force Base, where he produced regular newsletters. He enjoyed reading, watching police procedural shows on tv, having barbecues, pizza, a good steak and donuts. He was very proud of his three children.
Pop was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Fumiko in October 2016, his parents; sister Nadine; and his first grand-dogger Big Sandy.
He is survived by his brother James Robertson of Clovis; his daughter, Theresa Robertson of Clovis; son Joe Robertson of Albuquerque; son-in-law and daughter Andrew and Linda Pilcher; and his grand-dogger Sandy-Doo, who was the light and joy of life.
The Family would like to thank caregiver, Dolores Dela Paz; Ibbie Jeter, and the nurses of Cancer Center at Thomas Creek VA Hospital in Amarillo, and Alicia and Staff from PRMC Home Health.
Pop was a proud veteran, so in lieu of flowers, we ask that you make memorial contributions to the VFW at heroes.VFW.org, the DAV at help.DAV.org, K9s for warriors at donate.k9sforwarriors.org or to your local animal humane society. In his memory, eat a good steak and thoroughly enjoy a donut. He was a good man and will be sorely missed.
Fair winds and following seas, stand easy, shipmate, your watch is done.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, www.muffleyfuneralhome.com, (575) 7632-4435.