Richard Anderson Straus was called home to God on June 1, 2007. He was born on March 29, l956 in Lafayette, Louisiana to Jack and Marilyn Jo Straus. He was a basketball star at Madison High School in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Madison High School in l972.From Houston, he went to Alaska and worked on the Alaskan Pipeline. He then attended UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Chituras. They were married on July 19, 1980 and in l988 they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Audrey Nicole. Three years later in l991, they were blessed with a wonderful son, Cody Jack Richard Straus. Richard was employed at Freescale for 19 years as a Security Manager. The Straus family has resided in Dripping Springs since l983.Richard was a member of First Baptist Church in Dripping Springs for 22 years and was a leader of a youth Bible study Group. He loved to play chess and in l994 was the Texas Amateur Chess Champion. He loved to hunt and fish as well as play the guitar and sing for his family and friends. Richard loved the Longhorns, especially Vince Young who graduated from the same high school as he did. Richard also loved to paint. Most of all though, Richard was the best dad and husband a man could be. His family and faith always came first.Richard was preceded in death by his best friend and father, Jack in l988. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Elizabeth, his daughter Audrey, and son Cody; his mother Marilyn Jo Straus; sister Liz and brother-in-law Eddie Armstrong and their children Lindsay and Holly; his Uncle, Jimmy Straus and cousin, Travis Straus and his wife Dani, and daughter Olivia; his sister-in-law, Cathy Vogel and children Ashley and William; brother-in-law Calvin Chituras; brother-in-law, Jimmie and wife Cathy Chituras; mother-in-law, Violet Chituras; and many, many friends.Visitation will be held at Harrell Funeral Chapel in Dripping Springs on Monday, June 4 from 6 8 p.m.Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Dripping Springs.There will be a private graveside service for family, only, following the service.In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Richard Straus Memorial Fund at Cattlemans National Bank, P.O. Box 1243, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Phone number 512858-5159. Guest book and obituary available online at harrellfuneralhomes.com Harrell Funeral Chapel Dripping Springs, TX 512-858-5666 512-858-5666
Sandi and Ken Vos wrote on Oct 15, 2007:
"We just heard about the loss of our dear friend Richard. How devastated you and the children must be. I am sure he will be playing music in Heaven, and getting it all prepared for the rest of us to join him one day! May you find peace in your hearts during this sorrowful time. God Bless and Keep You
Make His face to Shine Upon You and Give you Peace.
We love you
Ken and Sandi Vos"
Suzanne McIntyre wrote on Aug 16, 2007:
"My heart is breaking for your loss. My the peace of the Lord be with you always. Suzanne, Logan, Mason and Jessie."
Rene Hollers Hensley wrote on Jun 7, 2007:
"I know you'll primarily from my years as Postmaster at Dripping Springs. They are fond memories. Thank you for being part of my life. Rene"
Liz Armstrong wrote on Jun 6, 2007:
"I loved Richard Straus more than I can express in words. I love you too, Liz, Audrey and Cody and will always be here for you.
All my love,
Liz/ Aunt Liz"
Liz Armstrong wrote on Jun 6, 2007:
"I loved Richard Straus more than I can express in words. I love you too, Liz, Audrey and Cody and will always be here for you.
All my love,
Liz/ Aunt Liz"
PAM wrote on Jun 5, 2007:
"Dear Liz,Audrey and Cody, My deepest sympathy to you for the loss of Richard. I have enjoyed working for him for the past 12 years. He was a wonderful leader. Pam Bowen"
Freescale Activity Center Staff wrote on Jun 5, 2007:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Gail Hagemann wrote on Jun 5, 2007:
"Liz, Audrey and Cody
Our deepest sympathy. We will keep you all in our prayers in this time of need.
The Barry Hagemanns"
Bertha & Clif Gladney wrote on Jun 5, 2007:
"Elizabeth & Family, Clif & I just wanted to extend our deepest sympathys to you and the children over the loss of Richard. I only met you both briefly at the Motel when My son got married last Nov 10th but I know how much Kelly loved him and what a wonderful Christian man he was. God must have special plans for such a wonderful man. God bless each and everyone of you. The Gladneys"
Bonnie Drane wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Our thoughts are with the family."
Shannon Burke & Kay Allen wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Elizabeth and family, Both Kay and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Richard's passing. Please know that we care about you and will help and support you in any way needed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."
Ruby Russo wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"To Elizabeth, Audrey, Cody and all of Richard's family
I would like to offer my condolences. I was very saddened to hear of your loss. I have known Richard for several years through work Freescale; formerly Motorola. I feel as if I know you too; he always talked about his family and how much he loved you. It was very obvious that you were the shining stars in his life and he was so very proud of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
Ronnie & Karin Jones wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Wishing you comfort and peace in this trying time with our deepest sympathy to family and friends."
Suzanne and Randy Armstrong wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"We pray for the entire family as you go through this difficult time in your lives. God Bless all of you with strength and precious memories. Randy, Suzanne, Matthew and Brandon Armstrong"
Adrienne Howarth-Moore wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Liz & Family: My heart hurts so much for you. I am deeply saddened by the earthly loss of my friend Richard and will miss him greatly. There was not a time when we spoke at work that he did not share with pride the activities of Audrey & Cody and so many wonderful stories about his family. May God lay his comforting hand on all of you."
Tracy Medearis wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Mrs. Straus & family, you are in my thoughts & prayers. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Richard was one of the kindest persons I was blessed to work with @ Freescale. God Bless you all."
Connie Schroeder wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"My thoughts and prayers are with Richard's family. His loss will be felt by all. It was a blessing to have Richard as a co-worker. God Bless you and give you peace, Connie"
Michelle Adamolekun wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"To the Straus Family, I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Richard, my prayers go out to the entire family. He was truly a great man and dedicated support for me as a HR Manager. God Bless. Michelle Adamolekun, Freescale HR Manager"
Danny & Kim Hubbard wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Elizabeth, Audrey & Cody-- We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Richard. His memories will be with you forever, and you will get to see him again. Jesus will carry you through this nightmare; just keep your faith and love for Christ. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in your hearts. Danny, Kim, Natalie and Kevin Hubbard"
Jerry, Rene & Geoffrey Jackson wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Elizabeth, Audrey, & Cody, We are so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. You and your family are in our prayers as you deal with this difficult, sorrowful time."
Rebecca C Treadway wrote on Jun 4, 2007:
"Your family is in our prayers during this very difficult time. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Beki"
Kim Gravell wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Elizabeth, Audrey, and Cody,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you."
Shirlene Burroughs wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Our family was so sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was such a kind, friendly man. He was a joy to be around. My class appreciated all he did to make our learning experience at Freescale possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Shirlene, Scott, Robert, and C.J. Burroughs"
Traci Henze wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Dear Elizabeth, Audrey and Cody, I am so sad to hear the devastating news. You are such a precious and close, truly loving and caring family that I am sure the emptiness y'all must feel now is almost unbearable. However,I am sure that the loving and closeness that's gotten you thus far will see you through this nightmarish time. My thoughts and prayers are abundant for each of you. Hang in there and hold tight to each other. Much love,
Traci Henze"
Margie Currie-Wood wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Elizabeth I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Richard. I just wanted to let you know that Wallis and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Our condolences,
Margie, Brett & Wallis Currie-Wood"
Michael, Amanda, Grace and Anna Wyszkowski wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Elizabeth, Audrey, and Cody, We are very saddened by Richard's death. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. Love,
Amanda, Michael, Grace and Anna Wyszkowski"
Patricia Spencer Hess wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Elizabeth, Audrey, Cody: Please accept my family's sincere condolences on the loss of Richard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Patricia Spencer Hess and Rusty Hess"
Robbie Albracht wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Dear Elizabeth, Audry, and Cody,
I am so very sorry for your loss of such a kind and dear human being. I was blessed to work with Richard at Motorola/Freescale.
My prayers are with you all."
KELLY GLADNEY wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"My condolences to Elizabeth,Audrey and Cody. To his mother Marilyn and little sister Liz,As I write this, my mind is flooded with fond memories. Richard was my best friend and I loved him like my brother. He will always be in my heart and memories wearing that great big grin . I am proud to have been able to call him my friend."
paige lieke wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"i know you all have a whole town with you all , well add one more person who would do anything to help in anyway, love you all...Paige Lieke"
Amanda Bunfield wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"I am so terribly sorry and saddened by the loss of Richard. I worked at Freescale with Richard, and it was always such a joy to come in every day and see his big smile and hear his thunderous laugh. His bright and cheerful outlook on life was so contangious and we will really miss him. He talked about his kids all of the time - you could really tell that his family was the most important thing in his life. My heart and prayers go out to you - he will be greatly missed."
Brenda Osbon wrote on Jun 3, 2007:
"Elizabeth, Audrey and Cody, our deepest condolences to you on this terrible loss. May God keep you in his loving hands and send his angels to watch over you. God Bless You All."
Woody & Carolyn Butler wrote on Jun 2, 2007:
"Elizabeth, Audrey & Cody,
Our deepest sympathy to you all and the rest of your family.
God's blessings to you. Lovingly, Woody and Carolyn"
Deborah & Michael Moore wrote on Jun 2, 2007:
"Richard was a sweet, gentle man. We were priveledged to have had him be a part of our wedding 7 years ago.
He & Michael always enjoyed playing chess, and music together.
Gone too soon- Our love & prayers"
Larry and Cheryl DeLacretaz wrote on Jun 2, 2007:
"We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious husband, father, son, and brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
Tracy Neef wrote on Jun 2, 2007:
"I am so very sorry for your families loss. God Bless you all."