Thomas Cartwright "Tommy" Richards

THOMAS “TOMMY” CARTWRIGHT RICHARDS Hargill - Thomas “Tommy” Cartwright Richards, 81, of Hargill, Texas, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013 after a short battle with lung cancer; his loving family with him by his side. Tommy was a well thought of and respected farmer and rancher from Hidalgo County. He was born on May 3, 1932 in Hargill, Texas to the late W.E. “Preach” and Kate Auline Richards. He graduated from Edinburg High School in 1950 and later attended Texas A&I University for two years. Tommy proudly served his country on active duty during the Korean War in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956 then the United States Navy Reserve until 1960. He served many years as a director of the Delta Lake Irrigation District. He was a member of the Southwest Texas Cattle Raisers Association, VFW Post 408 and a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Hargill, TX, where his loud and off key singing was enjoyed by all. He was a retired rancher and farmer from northern Hidalgo County where he raised livestock and farmed cotton, grain sorghum, citrus, watermelons and sugar cane for over 50 years. Tommy made Hargill his home his entire life, from grade school to retirement and was happiest when on his farm and ranch. He loved to spend time with his family and in particular with his grandchildren. He was known for his contagious smile and laugh. He is preceded in death by his nephew, Stephen Mark Cray. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Beverly Dean Richards. His loving children, Travis (Shelley Jo) Richards and Carlyn (James) Heath; grandchildren Katy Jo Richards, Rebecca Coryn Richards, Cary Kylene Richards, Kendal Dyann Heath, James Garrett Heath and Trevor Cade Heath; his dear sister Betty Sue (Verle) Cray and niece Kathy (Randy) Hiser. Pallbearers will be Randy Hiser, Jeffery Boltz, J.D. Boltz, Garrett Heath, Sal Ortega, Blaine Rowland. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Gaston, Leo Longoria, Guy Bush, Kent Johnson, Dennis Hendrix, Roger Troppy, Visitation will be held from 8 to 10 a.m., with a 9 a.m. funeral service, today, September 17, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Memorial contributions may be made in Tommy’s name to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Suite 920, Kansas City, MO 64111 ( www.vfwfoundation.org ) or the Wounded Warrior Project, mail donations to P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org ). Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.