Richard E. Read

Richard E. Read of Shenandoah, Texas went to be with the Lord on 24 August 2026. He was a faithful Christ-follower and lifelong member of the Methodist Church. His most recent church home was The Woodlands Methodist Church, where he was active in his Sunday School Class. His life was marked by his love of the Lord and his love of family.

Richard was born on March 11, 1930, in Mart, Texas, the youngest of eight children. At birth, he was already “Uncle Richard”. His family moved to Houston in The Heights when he was in elementary school. The Heights was already home to several of his siblings, and they enjoyed many fun family get-togethers. His first employment was Minimax Grocery Store, followed by Dixon Packing company, where he worked while attending The University of Houston. Upon graduation, he took a job at Humble Oil and Refining Company (later Exxon) in Market Research and Real Estate, and this became his 39-year career. Richard joined the Texas Army National Guard in both the 49th Armored Division and the 36th Infantry and was always proud to serve the country he loved so well.

He devoted his life outside of work and church to family pursuits. Whatever his children were involved in, he dedicated his time there as well, often stepping into leadership roles. Richard was especially devoted to The Boy Scouts of America, serving as troop leader for many years and giving generously of his time and leadership to countless young men. His service was recognized with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting’s highest honors for adult volunteers.

In later years, he spent countless hours serving his church and community in a variety of ways. Habitat for Humanity and Northwest Assistance Ministries were among his favorites, as they addressed the needs of the less fortunate in his community.

He was active in the Exxon Retirees and he and his wife, Blair, volunteered in many of their fundraising events, benefiting soldiers and their families. They travelled the world together too, visiting places like Greece and Italy and sailed on many river cruises throughout the United States and Europe.

Richard is preceded in death by his first wife, Marlene Cook Read and his son, Mark Richard Read. He is survived by his wife, Blair Hysmith Read; daughter Lauren Jenkins and her husband, Kevin; granddaughters Kendall Friday and her husband, Brian, and their three children Emerson, Brian Jr. and Connelly; Shelby Hamblin and her husband, Blake, and their three children, Cole, Avery and Andrew; and Mark’s children Richard Robert Read and Leigh Ann Prine and her husband Justin. In addition, Richard’s stepchildren include Brad Hysmith and his wife, Diana, and Janet Hysmith Sisolak, her husband, Michael, and their children, Mikayla and Sean (and partner Jacy Norris). He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or to Woodlands Methodist Church.