Richard Funk

1943 - 2025

Richard Funk
08/23/1943 - 11/01/2025

Our family said our final goodbyes to our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Richard was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on August 23, 1943, to Everett and Marjorie Funk. When Richard was eight months old, the family moved to Austin, where he resided until retirement.

Richard attended Bryker Woods Elementary school through Austin High School and naturally, The University of Texas. He played in the Longhorn Band during his undergraduate studies and loved sharing stories of those days and many memorable football games. Richard's inquisitive nature and love of learning led him to explore many fields, including architecture, history, archaeology, mathematics, and music. In 1977, he earned his Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Texas.

Throughout his diverse career, Richard worked as a music educator at both the public school and college levels. He also pursued a passion for design and construction, acquiring property and building duplexes and homes-two of which became family residences. From 1997 to 2005, he served as Senior Policy Analyst for Governors George W. Bush and Rick Perry. Afterward, he returned to building as a developer of townhomes in Lago Vista, where he eventually retired. He built his dream home on Lake Travis and enjoyed each sunset in the pool or deck soaking in the views. The few things that could pull him away from the lake were Longhorn Football games and family events.

In his later years, Richard fulfilled a lifelong dream as an author, publishing three historical fiction novels: Wind of the Gods, Winds of Destruction, and Cartel Wars.

Of all his accomplishments, the most important to Richard was his faith and service to God. He was raised in the Episcopal church, attending All Saints' Episcopal Church on the UT campus with his parents and siblings. His innate sense of service shined here as a young boy and continued throughout his adult life, where he served on the Church Vestry until they moved from Austin. When Richard and Judy moved to Lago Vista, they found their new church community. Together with his close friend, Rev. Dale Chrisman, Richard was one of the founding members of Trinity Anglican Church in Jonestown. Combining his devotion and building expertise, he helped acquire the land and oversee construction of the church. In recent years, he guided the final phase of the church's expansion, ensuring the completion of its long-envisioned reception hall-leaving nothing unfinished.

Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Funk, and their two sons, Richard A. Funk and wife Rachael and Ryan D. Funk. He is also survived by his three beloved granddaughters: Reese Judith Funk, Vivienne Lee Funk, and Wilhelmina Ann Funk. Richard will be missed dearly by his family, friends and numerous members of Trinity.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Richard. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own. Amen.

Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Anglican Church at 2 p.m. on November 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution be made to Trinity Anglican Church Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 4616, Lago Vista, TX 78645.