Tot Richards, 84, a long-time resident of Throckmorton, passed away Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Church of Christ, Throckmorton with Jason Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow services at Throckmorton Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes.
A visitation was planned from 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30,, at the funeral home, 107 N. Austin in Throckmorton.
Tot was born Nov. 5, 1933 in Throckmorton County, to Mabel (Daws) and Thomas “Tom” Richards. He loved spending time with his family and teaching his grandkids everything he knew about oil production; he even worked with them on oil rigs. He was a very hard worker, and he was proud of the fact that he had the knowledge, equipment and capabilities to handle production from start to completion. In the early ’90s, he was named “Wildcatter of the Year.”
He lived a vivid life, racing stock cars and parachuting, and loved the excitement of fast cars, motorcycles and roller coasters. Tot served on the Throckmorton hospital board, First State Bank board, the Tax Appraisal board and many other boards for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Juany (Cribbs) Shankles Richards of Throckmorton; three daughters, Debbie Leinenbach and husband, Klaus, Darla Janice Richards, and Donna Richards Foster, all of Throckmorton; two step-daughters, Lajuana Crossland of Huntsville and Melissa Tatum of Abilene; five grandsons, Justin Ash and wife, Kendal, of Graham, Brady Ash and wife, Mindy, of Throckmorton, Rowdy Foster and wife, Stevi, of Levelland, Monty Foster and wife, Lacyce, of Abilene, and Fred Foster of San Marcos; three granddaughters, Whitney Waller and husband, Luke, of Throckmorton, Shelby Ash of Throckmorton, and Elizabeth Wilson and husband, Cy, of Abilene; five great-grandchildren, Landree, Brazos, Ruby, Etta and Palmer; his only first cousin, Nel Rey (Daws) Coker of Throckmorton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel (Daws) Richards; father, Thomas “Tom” Richards, first wife, Ruby (Green) Richards; and two sisters, Tookie Gueldner, and Binker Cooper Quillan.
Memorials may be given in Tot’s name to the Throckmorton Volunteer Fire Department or the Throckmorton EMS/Hopsital.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at smithfamilyfh.com.