Joe Ben Richards

Joe Ben Richards Joe Ben Richards, Sr., died peacefully on May 9, 2010, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. He will be remembered and loved for his wit, sense of humor, fun-loving attitude and mischievous behavior. He was a tender hearted soul and, just as his favorite coffee cup says, he was truly the "World's Greatest Dad."
We will miss his made-to-order breakfasts, calling him when we "got there" and "stump the band". He knew and could sing more songs than anyone.
He loved his family, his God, his country, and his desserts. He was proud of being a Master Mason and Shriner and a long time member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Lexington, Texas. He was a member and president of the Lexington School Board for many years, handing several of his children their high school diplomas and thereby insuring they "at least got out of high school!"
Joe was born to Ida May and Ben Charles Richards, but lost his mother before he was two years old. His father served in both world wars and instilled in him the importance of military service. When his father was recalled for duty during WWII, Joe was sent to Allen Military Academy in Bryan, Texas, where he learned how to march in formation, military tactics and science, and the penalty for eating an orange in class and getting caught with a cigarette-rolling machine. He went on to serve as a tank instructor during the Korean War.
He met Shirley Jensen while working in the advertising department of the Houston Post and married her on April 30, 1955. The two of them moved to help work on Arnold Jensen's ranch in Lexington, Texas. The first job his new father-in-law gave him was dipping goats in the July heat. He said it only got easier after that.
He taught us how to fish, hunt, sing, play basketball, tennis, baseball, and surf the waves at the beach. We will miss those great beach vacations with the Freemans. The beach will be a sadder place without him beating us at horse shoes.
We'll miss you daddy--and we promise to check the oil and tires.
He is survived by his wife of 55 year of Austin, Texas, Shirley Richards of Georgetown; daughter, Lisa Richards Finder and husband Phillip of Austin, Texas; son, Rick Richards of Austin, Texas; daughter, Suzanne Townsend and husband Barry of Bastrop, Texas; seven grandchildren, Christopher and Allison Finder, Casey and Joe Arnold Richards, and Bailey, Reagan, and Reece Townsend; two sisters, Mary Virginia Neath of Houston, TX, and Angelyn Chaney and husband Bill of Grandbury, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Richards was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Joe Richards, Jr.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, or the Special Friends Group at the Worship Place in Sun City, Texas.
Memorial services will be held at a later date at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery with Military Honors.
Arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home, 5600 Williams Dr., Georgetown, TX 78633. (512) 869-7775
The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our Memorial Guestbook at www.ramseyfuneral.com.