Stephen Paul "Steve" Richings

Stephen "Steve" Paul Richings, 58, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on October 2, 2025. Born on January 10, 1967, in Oxford, England, Steve built a life centered on family, laughter, and love.

At the center of Steve's life was his family, and at the heart of that love was Kathleen. From the moment he met Kathleen, he knew she was the one he would marry. Their love was the steady thread they wove through every season of his life - genuine, warm, and full of the small, everyday moments that make a life shared so meaningful. Together, they created a home that blended two families into one. They created a place where humor, care, and belonging were constants. Kathleen spent years trying to convince him to love Cajun food as much as she did, but despite her best efforts, Steve stayed true to his British palate. Although he never quite gave in, he'd have a bowl of rice and gravy just to see her smile.

Being a dad was, without hesitation, Steve's greatest joy. He poured himself into raising his sons, Colin and Cody. He taught them that family always comes first, to be true to who they are and who they want to be, and to know that he was always there rooting for them no matter what. Whether it was cheering them on at a game, fixing something that didn't really need fixing, or simply showing up when they needed him, Steve's presence was steady, grounded, and full of heart. His influence lives on in the men they've become.

After Cody's marriage to his wife, Stephanie, Steve referred to her as his "daughter-in-love" treating her like the daughter he always wanted. She was that for him and so much more. Through her, he received his greatest blessings, his grandchildren, Elliott and Charlotte, who lovingly called him "Grandad." They filled his world with joy and happiness often. There were many days where Steve would take the long way home just to stop by and see his grandchildren because he couldn't resist, even if it meant sneaking visits so Kathleen wouldn't fuss at him for going without her.

His pride also ran deep for his youngest son, Colin, whose service in the Navy filled him with admiration and respect. Knowing Colin was out in the world serving his country brought Steve an immense sense of pride and purpose.

After moving with his family to Lafayette, Louisiana in 1983, Steve began a long career in the fast-food industry previously working as a supervisor at various points in his career. His dedication and hard work left a quiet but lasting mark on coworkers alike.

A lifelong Arsenal supporter, Steve's devotion to his team was legendary in the family. He could turn a simple match into a full-blown event complete with commentary, passionate reactions, and a few choice words for the referee. Away from the game, he found joy in thrifting with or without Kathleen, customizing his cars, a winning hand in his poker games, watching movies on his 95-inch screen, and indulging his sweet tooth with Sprite, Zebra Cakes, Cadbury Creme Eggs, and his secret stashes of British candies he tried to hide from everyone else.

Though Steve often joked that he didn't have many friends, the outpouring of love after his passing tells another story. People were drawn to his humor, his honesty, his love, and the way he made everyone feel like family, often through witty remarks, a story that made you laugh until you cried, or a simple act of kindness that spoke louder than words.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kathleen Richings; his sons, Colin Richings and Cody Richings (and wife, Stephanie); his grandchildren, Elliott and Charlotte; his father, Kenneth Richings; his brother, Darren Richings; his nieces, Demi Richings and Alyssa Lane (husband, Andrew); mother-in-law, Rose Marie Douet; and his beloved dogs, Major and Ashe. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita Richings; his father-in-law, Stanley Douet; and his grandfather, Percy Richings.

Steve will be remembered for the way he loved– with humor, heart, and an authenticity that left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. He may not have fixed everything he touched, but he built a life that meant everything to the people who loved him most.

"Forever our devoted son, husband, uncle, father, Grandad, and Gooner."

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beaumont Pets Alive or Alzheimer's Association Beaumont Chapter, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

A memorial service for Mr. Richings will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard's Crematorium.