Richard Dwain Etheridge went home to his Lord on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, where he was met by is mother Rose, his brothers Dean and Rusty and his father Herschel. He was 79 years old.

Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley (Curley to him), daughters Debora Dunn and Michelle Miller, granddaughter Cassandra Miller. Grandsons Shawn and Tanner Dunn and great-grandson Hunter Dunn. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and half-brother and sisters.

Richard was born on May 2, 1944 in Tucumcari, New Mexico. He joined the Navy when he was 18 years old and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii where he met the love of his life Shirley. When he left the Navy, he moved his family to Hobbs, New Mexico where he worked in the oilfield until he retired at the age of 46. After retirement he moved to Lake Leon where he could spend his spare time doing what he loved to do which was fish. Richard was not a man who could sit still so when he wasn’t fishing, he was mowing lawns for others, building boat docks and decks, flipping houses and any other odd job he would find to keep him busy. Technically, he just retired about five years ago except for his work at the big house in town.

Richard loved his life at the lake and had many friends his extended family. He had a spunky sense of humor and would have you laughing until you were crying. His love of animals was fierce, and he took in many stray dogs that people dumped over the years. He also made sure the stray cats got fed on a daily basis.

On January 18, 2009 he became a Deacon for Olden Baptist Church. He tried to make sure he made it every Sunday to do his part for the church. He loved his church and his church family.

A memorial service will be held at Olden Baptist Church on January 5, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in Richard’s name to a Veterans organization of your choice or k9sforwarriors.org