Richard Garcia Villalpando

Richard Villalpando was born on September 28, 1957, to Manuel and Jessie Villalpando in Mumford, Texas, where he grew up alongside his brothers: Robert, Roy, and Michael on the DeStefano farm.

Richard’s childhood included memories of making toys from tree branches and summers chopping cotton using irrigation ditches to cool off after long days in the heat. Baseball became a central part of life, spending evenings practicing with his dad after work by taking chinaberries off trees and hitting them with a broom stick, that was not easy but fun.

Richard attended Mumford School that was filled with cousins, then eventually moved to Hearne High School. High school wasn’t easy as he often spoke of watching his oldest brother, Robert, leave for Vietnam and helping their mother daily until his return.

High school brought friendships and the love of his life, Betty. They eventually welcomed their daughter, Valerie Nicole, giving Richard a new purpose from husband to Dad. Valerie was not only his daughter, but his best friend. Over time, Richard and his son‑in‑law, Pete built a bond and Richard could always count on Pete to check in. Valerie and Pete welcomed two daughters, Marissa and Mariah, giving him the title of “Popo,” a role that made him the proudest. He loved them deeply and would do anything for his girls. Richard and Betty had just celebrated 50 years together, a true testament to their love and commitment.

Richard spent weekends and weekdays playing softball, traveling around Texas with his brothers Robert and Roy. Alongside them was his biggest cheerleader, Betty, who never missed a game, together with their sisters‑in‑law, Sally and Janie. Though their baseball roots started in childhood, it remained a source of joy well into adulthood. Richard loved retelling game highlights, road‑trip stories, and the moments he shared with his brothers. Although he wasn’t on the field, their brother Michael would also be there with support, encouragement, and his presence was always felt reminding Richard that being a brother was about far more than being part of the lineup.

Those who played with them became brothers as well; bonds formed on softball fields that lasted a lifetime.

Richard worked with Babcock & Wilcox, Crane Plumbing, GATX, the City of College Station, and Honeywell. At most of these jobs, he worked alongside his brother Roy. Even after retiring, he wasn’t one to sit still. He recruited Roy to help mow yards, these two were definitely a team with an incredible bond. He then returned to work part‑time for Robertson County. Throughout each of these jobs, he formed friendships he held close, cherishing the people he met along the way.

The discipline from working the fields grew into a deep love for maintaining his land. Caring for that land brought Richard a large sense of pride. A pride rooted in hard work and the peace he found outdoors. He took great care to keep his place beautiful, a place where holidays were celebrated, where his family gathered and where Sunday evenings were spent. Living next door to his brother Michael made the land even more meaningful, adding comfort, companionship, and a sense of home. It was a place of joy and a true reflection of the life he built with steady hands and a determined heart.

Richard’s life was shaped by resilience, deep devotion to his family, and a connection to the land that grounded him throughout his life. His story is one of humble beginnings and a heart that never stopped giving to those he loved. Though he is no longer with us, his love remains with those he leaves behind; especially Betty and his girls, who will forever carry his strength and love in their hearts.

Richard’s Family:

Wife: Betty Villalpando

Daughter: Valerie Flores Spouse Pete Flores

Grandchildren: Marissa Lugo Spouse Joseph

Mariah Flores significant other Bruno Castillo

Brothers: Robert and Janie Villalpando

Roy and Sally Villalpando

Michael and Maggie Villalpando

Richard is preceded in death by:

His mother and father Manuel and Jessie Villalpando, and his brothers Manuel Villalpando Jr and Lupe Villalpando