Richard Lee Deskin, Sr., left his loving wife and family on Sunday, November 1, 2020. This came as a surprise to his family. No one was expecting him to leave, as he always lived a life of being on time, by being early. Richard was a private man, shying away from the limelight. He was defined by his actions. He recently articulated that he wanted to be remembered as "an honest and trustworthy" person.  He was born on May 20, 1941, in Corsicana, Texas, to Alton and Louise. Richard grew up with two siblings, Bill and Linda.

Richard met the love of his life, Carol Jean Micheltree, in November, 1960. Before their courtship, he had always wanted to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy. He took his oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, and also promised Carol and her dad, John, that he would marry her, which he did in 1961.

After a decorated Navy Service, Richard became a father to Richard "Rik" Lee Deskin, Jr., Carmen L. Crowder, Carla M. Hannan, and John A. Deskin. He loved them all dearly, and would always have their back when needed.

Richard was an avid traveler, first in the Navy, and then throughout his life. When the children were young, Richard was fond of packing the family in a station wagon for camping trips throughout Kentucky and up to Michigan. He loved to fish. To amuse his kids, he could walk on his hands and juggle. He had a wicked sense of humor. He and Carol lived in Ohio, then Kentucky, then back in Texas, then Florida, and, finally, back in Texas.

In his last decades, Richard became a grandfather to Jordan, Thomas, Lorrie, Justin, Richard (III), Taylor, William, Hannah, Logan, and Haylee, and a great grandfather to Aidan, Isla, and Ariel. Richard also is an uncle and great uncle.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol Jean Micheltree, and his children Richard "Rik" Lee Deskin, Jr., and wife, Kim; Carmen L. Crowder and Steve Ortiz; Carla M. Hannan and husband Dan Hannan; John A. Deskin and wife, Jennie. Richard's grandchildren: Thomas and Kristen Deskin, Lorrie and Kelly Welch, Jordan Petty, Justin Petty, Richard Lee Deskin, III, William Henry Deskin,Taylor Petty, Hannah Fullwood, Logan Deskin, Haylee Deskin. His great-grandchildren: Aidan, Isla, and Ariel.

Due to Covid-19, a small immediate family celebration of life remembrance will be held. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wounded Warriors Project in Richard's name. It's what our Father would have wanted. https :// www . woundedwarriorproject . org /