SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 604
In Memory
of
Richard Ritchie
WHEREAS, With the passing of Richard Preston Ritchie on
May 11, 2023, at the age of 68, the residents of Mineral Wells bid
farewell to an accomplished attorney, a renowned athlete, and a
respected community leader; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 2, 1955, in Mineral Wells, Richard
Ritchie was the son of John and Ann Ritchie; he gained national
acclaim on the gridiron during his years at Texas A&I University,
compiling a remarkable 39-0 record as the starting quarterback
and leading the Javelinas to undefeated seasons in 1974, 1975,
and 1976 that yielded three Lone Star Conference crowns and three
NAIA Division I championships; named Most Valuable Player of the
1974 NAIA title game, he also garnered the 1975-1976 NAIA and LSC
Player of the Year honors; he graduated in 1977 and later created
the Richard Ritchie Endowment in support of the school's athletic
programs; he was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame, the LSC
Hall of Honor, and the College Football Hall of Fame, and he
earned the Distinguished Alumni Award for his continuing
involvement with the university; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie went on to serve as an assistant
football coach at The University of Texas at Austin, the
University of North Texas, and Texas Tech University; after
receiving his juris doctor degree from St. Mary's University in
1991, he embarked on his career as an attorney, following the
tradition set by four previous generations in his family; he
joined the Ritchie Law Firm in Mineral Wells to practice with his
father, John, and played a prominent role in civic affairs,
serving as an attorney for the Palo Pinto Water District and as a
director of the First State Bank of Mineral Wells and the Brazos
Foundation; moreover, he was president of the Noon Lions Club and
captain of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Posse, and he also
distinguished himself as a rancher, another occupation long
pursued by the members of his family; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ritchie enjoyed the
love and support of his wife, Penny, his daughters, Leslie Kay
and Lacie, and his five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Richard Ritchie drew on his leadership and
expertise to benefit his fellow citizens, and his record of
service will be a lasting source of inspiration to all who were
privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Richard Preston
Ritchie and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:
to his wife, Penny Ritchie; to his daughters, Leslie Kay Ritchie
Robnett and her husband, Kevin, and Lacie Ritchie Austin and her
husband, Matthew; to his grandchildren, Elisha, Cyrus, Arleigh,
Sky, and Sydney; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Richard Ritchie.
King
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 17, 2023, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate