Richard Redder

Richard Francis Redder, a resident of Waco, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29th at the age of 76. Born on August 10th, 1948, in Waco to parents Albert and Sarah Redder, Richard was a special son, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Richard is survived by his father, Albert Redder; his sisters: Aleene Hood (Gaylon) from Valley Mills TX, Darlene Holik (Danny) from Miles TX and Denise Myerscough (Mark) from Normal IL Also surviving are 6 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his mother, Sarah, and his brother, Freddie Joe.

Richard approached life with a childlike wonder, a trait that endeared him to all who knew him. He was known for his generous spirit, his passionate nature, and the genuine joy he found in his faith

From a young age, Richard demonstrated a remarkable capacity for service. He took pride in his various work experiences, from the local Goodwill, Waco book depository, and turkey farm. He attended St Louis Catholic church for many years and always had very fond memories of Monsignor Mark Deering. Later in life, Richard was a devoted caregiver, providing support to his mother in her later years as she lived with Parkinson's, assisting his grandmother, and eventually becoming a steadfast companion and helper to his father in their aging years.

Richard cultivated many lifelong passions. He was an avid reader of magazines, and a collector of rocks, bones, and shells (a shared interest with his father). He enthusiastically cheered for the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed countless hours watching classic John Wayne westerns. Music held a particularly special place in Richard's heart. He loved listening to the iconic voices of Johnny Cash and Jimmie Dean, often filling the house with their melodies. His impromptu concerts brought joy to those around him.

Though deeply missed, Richard will be remembered for his unique joy and the profound peace he radiated. Richard was a true blessing to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service to celebrate Richard's life will be held at Grace Gardens funeral home on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at 2:30pm, A time of visitation with the family will take place the hour prior to the service. Internment will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery (Oliver Farms). Serving as pallbearers: Danny Holik, Mark Myerscough, Justin Duyck, Scott Steely, Daniel Myerscough, Alex Constant - all members of Richard’s family. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St Jude’s (Richard’s favorite charity), Special Olympics or charity of your choice.

As Richard’s family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the people who cared for him, especially in the final years of his life. We are deeply grateful to our neighbor Bill Buzze for all the Dairy Queen runs, our cousin Rita for all her kind and thoughtful letters and cards and our cousin Stephanie for visiting Richard and Albert when she came to Waco. Thank you to the staff at Ridgecrest that made Richard’s last year of life so enjoyable - with bingo games, thoughtful conversations and encouraging his John Wayne obsession. Our greatest hope is that he has touched your lives as much as he touched ours. Finally, thank you to Al, Richard’s father, for dedicating his life to Richard’s care and being his constant companion all these years.

Although we miss him dearly, we rest in the truth that Richard is fully healed and in the arms of Jesus. Until the day we see him again in heaven, we will remember him in the rich baritone of Johnny Cash cracking through the radio, and in a passing glance of a Dallas Cowboys game or John Wayne rerun on the television. We will remember his funny catchphrases and the way he was always happily planning his next fishing trip to San Angelo. We will remember Richard as a man whose life wasn’t defined by his limitations but instead defined by a rare peace and infectious joy that was known by all who met him. Truly Richard was, and always will be, a blessing from God to our family.