Richard Kent Cromwell

1941 - 2018

July 29, 1941 - June 1, 2018
Richard Kent Cromwell passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on June 1, 2018; he was 76 years old. He was born in Colorado on July 29, 1941, the only child of Chester and Julia Johnson Cromwell. Richard grew up in an extended family of professional musicians who performed throughout the country. He possessed enormous musical talent, and while the piano was his favorite instrument, he also played the flute, saxophone, and flamenco guitar under the tutelage of the renowned René Heredia. He was passionate about the blues, jazz, and classical music throughout his life.

His musical ability enabled him to support himself while he attended The University Of Colorado, where he earned a degree in Biochemistry. Other talents such as working as a professional bartender and chef, enabled him to pursue postgraduate work at the University of Colorado Medical School.

Electing not to pursue a career in medicine, Richard was employed by the United States Army from 1972-2001 as a Management Analyst and Command Manager at numerous bases around the United States and Germany.

He was awarded numerous commendations, including the Department of the Army's Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, the highest award that may be bestowed by the Secretary of the Army to a civilian employee.

As a single father, Richard cherished being a Dad more than anything else. His beloved daughter Laura has precious memories of learning to hunt, fish, and go camping with her father when she was a little girl. Later, when Richard reminisced about the years when he owned a wild game farm, he often boasted about her abilities as a horseback rider.

After retiring in 2001, Richard continued to pursue his interests in cooking, fine dining, movies, classic cars and music. For a time he played the organ during everything mass at Saint Mary's Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when he purchased a grand piano in 2010. Richard was a lifelong animal lover, and for a number of years he assisted his former wife in rescuing abandoned cats, as well as adopting the "irresistible" ones for himself.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, who passed away many years ago. He is survived by his only child, Laura Cromwell Cude. He also considered his former wife, Donna Dowd Cromwell, a companion and friend of 20 years, as family. Shawnda Buscher was a loyal friend to his daughter for 25 years, and Richard affectionately referred to her as his "extra" daughter. He would also want his dear kitty companion, Tommy, to be included as part of his extended family.

Richard was a very spiritual man, a practicing Hinayana Buddhist for 30 years. His wishes were to forego having funeral services ; it was his desire, instead, that his ashes be scattered in the mountains of his beloved home of Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local cat shelter or rescue organization, as he always had a tender spot in his heart for his feline family members. Richard was a dynamic and brilliant man who touched the lives of many friends, family members, and acquaintances, far more than he knew. He is loved and dearly missed by all.