IN REMEMBRANCE

Gary Richard, born January 9, 1954, passed away on May 15, 2026, surrounded by family at his home in Orangefield, Texas, after a 13-year battle with Parkinson's disease that never dimmed his joyful spirit or the kindness that defined his life.
Gary had an easy smile, a warm presence, and a way of making others feel welcome and loved. The lifelong friendships he maintained and the lasting relationships he built with coworkers, friends, and family speak to the quiet but profound impact he had on the people around him.
Family was at the center of everything for Gary. He deeply loved his wife of 45 years, children, parents, siblings, and especially his grandchildren. Gary showed that love not just in words, but in the way he showed up, again and again, for the people in his life.
He lived life fully and joyfully. He loved fishing, golfing, sports, music, the outdoors, and above all, creating memories with his family. Summers meant drives to New Braunfels with Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles playing through the speakers. Childhood memories were filled with staying up late to call the oldies radio station while he played games with his kids who anxiously waited to hear their voices on the radio while being introduced to decades of music that would become part of the soundtrack of family life.
At Christmas, the house came alive with the music of Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley as the family danced around singing "Mele Kalikimaka." Gary also leaves behind memories of his Elvis impressions, "magic" tricks, laughter, and the unmistakable spark that made him uniquely himself. Those moments, joyful, loud, silly, and full of love, are the memories his family will carry forever.
Even as Parkinson's took pieces of his physical health and his voice, it never touched his familiar smile or the heart of who he was. His love, humor, resilience, and the traditions he created live on in the people who loved him. Gary Richard will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and carried forward in every song, every story, and every moment of joy shared by his family.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen Richard; children, Jon Little and spouse Modesto, Jr., Jennifer Clarke, and Philip Richard and wife Kristin; grandchildren, Aiden Clarke, Ryleigh Clarke, Sterling Richard, and Larsen Richard; sisters, Cheryl Fornois and husband John, and Pam Broussard and husband Bill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Richard.
Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Knights of Columbus Hall, 770 Avenue A, Bridge City, Texas.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to caregiver Liz Thompson of Visiting Angels , the compassionate staff at Best Hospice Care, and the dedicated physical therapy team at PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Beaumont South for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.