Richard Louis Nolen

Richard Louis Nolen, Sr., affectionately known as Dick, was born on June 2, 1934, in Yoakum, Texas, to the late Andrew Jackson Nolen and Ethel Ellen Samora. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the age of 90 years. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Laura Genice (Powell); his son, Richard (Rick) L. Nolen Jr.; sisters, Lucille Bohuslav, Dorothy Power, Virginia Hirsch, Margaret Kaiser; two stillborn girls; brothers, Andrew Jackson Nolen III, Vernon Nolen, Henry Nolen, and David Nolen. Married for 54 years to Laura Genice, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather.

He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Grasse (Bobby) and Donna Fox (Warren); sisters, Mary Kahlich (Thomas), Sue Schumacher (Vernon) and Pat Wanjura (Jerry); sister- in-law, Colleen Nolen; grandchildren, Teresa Merryman (Brent), Patricia Bludau (Jeremy), Justin Young (Michele), Jessica Murphy (Jason), Sara Saunders (Finas) and Danielle Martinez; great-grandchildren, Kendall Merryman, Brandi Moore (Eric), Colin Washburn, Ethan Murphy, Hailey Martinez, Tyler Dowden, Seth Dowden, Jacob Merryman, Katlyn Young, Josselin Saunders, Emma Merryman, Caden Murphy, Riley Martinez, Gage Bludau, Charles Saunders, and Everly Bludau and great-great grandchild, Kanon Jackson.

A devout Catholic, Richard was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 9088. He was active at a young age as an altar boy and later as a lector. He participated in Acts, Adoration and in other capacities.

Richard had many loves, the first being his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also loved gardening, music, birds, butterflies, motorcycles, fishing, swimming, water skiing, woodworking, and loved the dogs he owned and the grand-dogs he claimed as his own. He was also a ham radio operator.

Richard worked at Alcoa’s Point Comfort operations and retired as a supervisor of the laboratory after 43 years of service.

Having rendered consistently distinguished service to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Master Gardener Program, he was awarded the title of Master Gardener Emeritus. He was a member of the 2004 Victoria County Master Gardener Class, served as President in 2011, and was named Master Gardener of the Year in 2012. He authored four educational articles in the “Gardeners’ Dirt”, a weekly column in the Victoria Advocate newspaper. He was a chairman of the annual plant sale and managed the Pavilion rentals for many years.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 21, 2024, 9:00 AM at Freund Funeral Home with Funeral Services to begin at 10:00 AM with Deacon Eddie Huse officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. A reception will follow the interment at Maya’s Mexican Restaurant, 1909 N. Esplanade St., Cuero.

Pallbearers include grandson, Justin Young; great-grandsons, Colin Washburn, Tyler Dowden, Seth Dowden, Jacob Merryman; grandsons-in-law, Finas Saunders, Brent Merryman and Jeremy Bludau.

Honorary Pallbearers include his sons-in-law; Bobby Grasse and Warren Fox.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Avenue, Victoria, TX 77901; or Victoria County Master Gardeners Assoc., PO Box 3822, Victoria, TX 77903.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome. com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.