Richard Huelster, 80, of Washington Okla., left this world doing what he loved on Friday, May 22, 2020.
Richard’s Preacher, Brent Riggs said it best. “None of us get to choose how we graduate into eternity, but I guarantee if Richard could’ve wrote it out, it would’ve been ‘let me get on my horse, rope a calf, and wake up in heaven.’ He could not have custom ordered his homecoming any more perfectly. “
He was born October 22, 1939 in Pecos, Texas, the middle child of Ludwig and Loreine (Creech) Huelster. Richard was raised in Balmorhea, Texas, and graduated with the Bears Class of 1958. He then attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine for a time, before entering the work force.
Richard hit the road and started cross country trucking. He logged countless hours driving for Leeway and received the million-mile watch for driving a million miles without an accident. He drove for Leeway until they shut the doors, then he shifted gears and started driving for Garrett Brothers.
Richard’s life changed forever when he met Betty Burns. They were married on September 1, 1978 in Oklahoma City. Richard was an old cowboy at heart, so once he retired from trucking he started working for Roger Cole as a ranch hand (his dream job ). He was able to have horses and team rope again.
He was a proud member of the USTRC Roping Association. He enjoyed spending his days riding and roping and occasionally fishing. Richard was a good friend and always enjoyed helping his neighbors. He opened the senior center every morning and put on the coffee.
He was a wonderful husband and father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle and a proud Texan and always pulling for the Dallas Cowboys! He will be dearly missed!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ludwig Huelster and Loreine and Louis Collins; his son, Lew Allen Huelster and two great-grandchildren, Asha Don and Carson Gage.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Betty of the home; his children, Gil Huelster of San Angelo, Texas, Randy Huelster and wife, Crystal, of Morris, Okla., Pam Queen and husband, Randy, of Oklahoma City, Teresa Paxson and husband, Johnny, of Midwest City, Cindy Brewer of Oklahoma City, Sonya Coles and husband, Michael, of Washington and Jack Cagle and wife, Natosha, of Moore; his sister, Barbara Harrison of Abilene, Texas; his brother, Craig Huelster and wife, Dwana, of Balmorhea; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.
Richard’s wishes were to be cremated, with a Celebration of Life following at Kody Keith’s Arena, 18526 260th, Washington, OK 73093. Come and celebrate at 11 a.m. on June 13, 2020 with a dinner following at the senior center.
Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.
