Funeral Services: 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Harvest Time Revival Center in Robinson
Interment: 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery
Richard Eugene Espin, 70, passed away October 11, 2014 with his family by his side.
Dickie was born November 20, 1943 in Bremerton, Washington. He graduated from Robinson High School and spent most of his years in the Waco area. He served in the Army and National Guard, was stationed in Germany, and fought in Vietnam during 1969 and 1970. During this time Dickie was awarded the National Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. It is because of his service and sacrifice that all of his children were able to attend and graduate college. He supported and loved his family by working in the construction industry for over fifty years. Dickie overcame many obstacles in life including polio and prostate, bladder, lung and skin cancer. He loved farm life, including riding his tractor, raising cows and chickens, showing goats, baling hay, gardening, and enjoying a good ole “cup of Joe” in the morning. Every Tuesday and Thursday you could find him at the auction looking for a good deal and eating catfish. He loved taking his grandchildren fishing. He was a man full of “wit and wisdom.” Dickie was an amazing family man who loved God and always supported his children in all of their passions for singing, sports, and school. He always trusted that God would provide for his and his family’s needs even during the times when he had nothing. He always made sure that all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild knew just how much he loved them with words and through actions.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Richard Espin and Mabel Anna (Defries) Espin.
He is survived by his three children, Kim Rene King and husband James R. of Hallsburg, Melissa Ann Southerland and husband Randy of Speegleville, and Richard Eugene Espin, Jr. and wife Kari of Axtell; twelve grandchildren, Joshua, Jonathan and wife Lindsey, James “JD”, Jessica King and great grandchild, Ryleigh King, Ashley and fiancé Kirsten, Cody and Bailey Southerland, Richard (Chip) and Karah Espin and Brianna, Kaylee and Jordan Shilling; siblings, Phyllis Krumnow and husband Robert of Valley Mills, Bonnie Bailey and husband Harold of Chandler; Dennis Espin and wife Linda of Robinson; and David Espin and wife Catherine of Bellmead; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
We give special thanks to Uncle Dennis for making the casket, Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Harold for donating towards the cost of the funeral, and all of the family and friends that have shown so much love and support.
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So sorry for your families loss. Your dad was an awesome man. Had great personality. My prayers are with your whole family.
When I think of Dickie, I am reminded of many childhood memories. It’s no wonder, with our dads being friends, that our families would spend a lot of time together growing up. I thought we were related until I found out otherwise . They were some crazy men back in the day! Thank God they gave their life to God later on in their lives. As a child, I never knew if Dickie was serious or not because he was always teasing. Before long, you just learn to laugh at everything because sure enough…he’s cracking a joke! I remember the pool, the trampoline, and singing in the nursing homes. I’ll never forget. I will also always remember that laugh. There’s no other like it. I know there is a Peace left with this family because you all know you will sit and laugh with him again soon. God bless you all and keep you. Much love.
Sue
To Kim, Melissa, Rick, & the Espin family -my thoughts are with you as you mourn Dickie’s loss.
Beautiful words written about your dad. Wish I could be there with you in this time. I know it will be a beautiful celebration of his life. I know there will be tears too. I am so thankful for the time you all had together and the memories that will last a lifetime. May the peace of our Lord rest upon you all.
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family at this time. We love you all!
Dear Espin Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am thankful that we have the hope of Heaven and know that this time of goodbye is for a short while. I loved the things y’all wrote about your dad. You truly explained who he was. I loved this picture and the ones you’ve shared on facebook. You have all been special to me from the time you were kids and still hold a special place in my heart. Keep the faith and keep loving one another. That’s what it is all about. Consider yourself hugged……I love you all, Reba
Espin Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a long time since I have seen you guys, but I still remember when both our families lived in Long Beach, Ca. I think of those times often. Your family was an amazing family. We so enjoyed getting to know you all. Your dad was a good man. I know you will miss him, but know he has been given the ultimate healing from our God. Prayers of comfort, grace and peace for your family.
In Christ Name,
Nancy Taylor
I am so sorry for your loss but I know he’s in a better place now.
Sincerely,
Patricia King
We regret that we could not be there tonight for Dickie’s special service. However, we want y’all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers tonight. We were blessed to have been a part of a great church family with Dickie, in the early and mid 80’s. We experienced some awesome moves of God together, and Dickie was a major part of some dynamic testimonies in our lives. Some of those testimonies we have shared from Texas to Tennessee. God used Dickie in those years to bless and minister to many people. Dickie was like a Mountain Man for God. Rough crusty exterior, but with a heart that was soft and tender before God. We will never forget the mark he has made on our lives. Us, and our church family at RHCC will be holding y’all up. God bless Y’all ! Mark & Dahna Griffin
We are sorry for your loss but feel confident he is singing and dancing with our LORD and SAVIOR. May the Hand of the LORD comfort the family.
I am so sorry for your loss , everyone’s loss really. I have so many great memories of my Uncle Dickie… He was such a big presence , such a character! My love to you all – I really miss you and wish I could have been there.
So sorry to find this out at such a late date.. Its been many years..since I have seen all of you …and thought of you all over the years and hoping all is well…in the brief time that I got to get to know your family ..while you were visiting in Earlington ky…prayers going up for you all..
Well what’s not to be said about Dickie! He was like a big brother to me. He and my brothers worked together building houses for many many years. After my brothers moved away I would run into Dickie all over the place. Once a truck stop in bellmead. And he was the same man every time. Wearing the same hat that he had in his picture above. That hat could tell stories if it could. I later was working at a house he was hanging Sheetrock and he laughed and asked if I was following him. He was full of spunk. Again another day I seen him at a store fueling up and getting extra for his tractor and that’s when I learned he moved to axtell and not knowing my parents was down the road. He then told me to tell my brother Larry that he was prettier than he was. Always had something funny to make me laugh. So Dickie you best be wearing that hat so I will recognize you in paradise because when the Lord gives you a new body and fresh new mind and good health, I might not recognize you… until we meet again, you and Larry get my house underway so I’ll have it ready when I get there. Us Poe family loves and miss you. Prayers goes out to your family. You are forever a Blessing to our lives.