Pat D. Richardson

Patrick "Pat" David Richardson, 83, passed away on July 9, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on July 29, 1942, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Minnie Ola (Barnes) Richardson and Fletcher Wilson Richardson.

To understand Pat's life is to understand one word: service.

By the age of 21, Pat had already lived experiences that few could imagine. He knew how to kill a man with his bare hands, had worked with nuclear weapons, and had even been approached by the CIA for recruitment. Yet the course of his life followed a different calling—one instilled in him from childhood by his parents and grandparents: to serve others.

Pat served his country with honor. He retired as a Major in the United States Army after 19 years of combined active and reserve military service. During the Vietnam War, he flew helicopters in Vietnam, carrying out dangerous missions with courage and dedication. In retirement, his commitment to fellow veterans never ended. He devoted countless hours helping veterans navigate the often-complicated VA system, encouraging them and assisting with paperwork so they could receive the benefits they had earned.

He believed deeply in democracy and considered informed citizenship both a privilege and a duty. A proud "Yellow Dog Democrat," Pat took voting seriously and encouraged others to do the same. He served as a precinct chair while living in his retirement community and volunteered as a voter registrar, always striving to strengthen the democratic process he cherished.

Pat also served his community in countless ways. Beginning in his teenage years and continuing until he was nearly killed in an automobile accident in 1988, he volunteered as a firefighter in nearly every small community where he lived. For approximately 20 years, he served the Town of Pantego in numerous volunteer capacities, including appointed and elected positions on various boards, as a town councilman, and for two terms as mayor. His leadership was guided by the belief that communities thrive when ordinary citizens willingly give of themselves.

His faith in Jesus Christ shaped every aspect of his life. Pat faithfully served God and His church for decades. He and his wife were devoted members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington for 35 years. Throughout those years, Pat served on numerous church committees and, at various times, as a Ruling Elder. When the church building was devastated by flooding, he took on the role of general contractor, overseeing repairs and improvements that restored the church home for its congregation. He also taught Sunday School when needed and quietly gave generously to his church, to local and national charities, and to nonprofit organizations, especially Lions Clubs International.

Professionally, Pat worked as a field engineer for local and national telephone companies, earning the respect of colleagues for his expertise and commitment to excellence. He approached his work with the same integrity and diligence that marked every area of his life.

His service extended into retirement as well. He remained active in the Pantego Lions Club, serving as both a member and officer for many years. He volunteered in the SAGE program, helping educate future healthcare professionals by serving as a geriatric patient for health science students.

Above all, Pat served his family. He was a loyal and loving husband, father, and provider who invested deeply in the lives of his children. Whether serving as a Boy Scout leader or supporting their many activities, he was present, dependable, and encouraging.

With the exception of his paid employment, Pat never accepted compensation for the countless hours he devoted to serving others. He gave freely because he believed it was the right thing to do. He served willingly, without complaint or expectation of recognition.

Those who knew Pat sought his counsel for both personal and professional matters because they knew he would listen carefully, speak honestly, and keep their confidence. He was fearless without being reckless, opinionated without being malicious, and passionate without harboring hatred. He bore no grudges, spread no gossip, and treated people without regard to race or status. There was no hypocrisy in him. He possessed an extraordinary intellect and seemed able to master nearly any subject that captured his interest.

Pat was also unmistakably himself. He was short, stout, hard of hearing, and never concerned with whether he was fashionable. He loved a good poker game, enjoyed spirited debate, and could argue with the best of them. Not everyone found him tactful, but few questioned his sincerity or his unwavering desire to do what he believed was right.

His life was measured not by titles or accomplishments, impressive as they were, but by the thousands of acts of service that often went unseen. He left every community he touched stronger than he found it, and he enriched the lives of countless people through his generosity, wisdom, steadfast faith, and genuine concern for others.

Pat's legacy is one of courage, humility, integrity, and selfless service. The world is unquestionably better because he lived in it. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a faithful Christian, a proud veteran, a dedicated public servant, and a treasured friend whose first concern was always the well-being of others.

Pat is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Richardson; son, David Richardson; brother, Gene (Shannon) Richardson; sisters, Cynthia (Frank) Roberts, Sylvia O’Brien, and Helen (Wolford) Niezek; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Mary Richardson.

His memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth, 1000 Penn St., Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Lions Club International, Salvation Army, or the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking the link below.