In Loving Memory of Richard Fred Koenig

May 13, 1943 – August 23, 2026

Richard Fred Koenig, 83, of Houston, Texas, passed peacefully at his home on August 23, 2026.

Richard was a brilliant, humble, deeply principled, and exceptionally capable man whose greatest joys and accomplishments were found in his family and his work.

From an early age, Richard possessed an extraordinary intellect and an enduring curiosity about the world around him. At approximately 12 years of age, he would spend his summers riding his bicycle nearly 26 miles from his home in Bellaire to downtown Houston, where he spent his days at the public library reading and expanding his knowledge. His lifelong love of learning, coupled with his determination and intellectual curiosity, remained defining characteristics throughout his life.

Richard attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas, and the University of Houston. He went on to build a distinguished career in information technology, ultimately serving as Vice President of IT at his company. He took great pride in his work and remained deeply committed to it throughout his career. Retirement held little appeal for him; he found purpose and satisfaction in continuing to contribute. His intelligence, problem-solving ability, and dedication earned him the respect and appreciation of those with whom he worked.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard was known for his practicality, resourcefulness, and quiet dedication to those he loved. He approached life with a straightforward philosophy: accept circumstances as they come, determine what needs to be done, and do it to the best of your ability. He lived by those words – not only in the ordinary responsibilities of life, but also through the profound challenges of Parkinson’s disease. He faced each new difficulty with courage, dignity and without complaint.

Richard was never one to seek recognition. Instead, he quietly addressed problems, found solutions, and took care of the people and responsibilities entrusted to him.

Richard’s character was perhaps his greatest distinction. He was a man of extraordinary integrity—honest, ethical, and dependable. Cindy often said that in all the years she knew him, she had never known a more honest or principled person. He never sought the spotlight or recognition for his accomplishments. His satisfaction came from doing what was right and from helping those he loved.

Richard married Cindy on March 1, 1970, just two months after they met on January 1. Together they built a life grounded in love, loyalty, family, hard work, and learning. They raised three children, Gretchen, Amy, and David, and later welcomed seven grandchildren, who brought another generation of love and meaning to their family.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, the family will gather privately to remember his life and honor his memory.

Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cynthia; his three children, Gretchen Collins and her husband, Shannon, Amy Murray, and David Koenig and his wife, Karli; and his seven grandchildren, Mia, Emma, Sophia, Jon David, Taylor, Shelby, and Westley.