Richard Hermes

Richard Paul Hermes, a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and lifelong member of the Lindsay community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12 at the age of 95. He was born on September 5, 1931, to Julius and Cecelia Flusche Hermes.

Richard was the third of eight children and was born on the farm in Lindsay, Texas, where he lived most of his life. As a freshman in high school, he attended Subiaco Academy in Arkansas before returning to Lindsay High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1950. After graduation, Richard worked in the oil field for two years before answering the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. He served honorably on active duty as a Color Guard stationed in Japan until 1954, and in the reserve until 1960.

While 1954 brought a season of work at the cotton gin in Wellman, Texas, Richard would always say the greatest blessing of that year was meeting "the prettiest girl" at the dedication of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muenster. He and Edna married on May 30, 1956, beginning a partnership that would span seventy years. They were married in Muenster, started their family living briefly in Gainesville, then moved to Lindsay in 1963 where they remained until his death.

Richard began his career with National Supply (later Armco Steel) in 1955. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced to Foreman of the Assembly Department, even traveling to Canada and Mexico to train employees. He willingly worked second shift for many years because it provided more for his growing family. After 31 years of service, he retired in 1986 and returned to what he loved most, farming and raising cattle on the family land.

Richard loved his small community, serving on the LISD school board and booster club. He attended as many of his kids’ and grandkids’ events as he could and continued to be a supporter of LISD athletics throughout his life.

Together, Richard and Edna built a home centered on faith, hard work, and family. They raised nine children, tended a large garden and orchard that provided food for the family, cared for chickens and cattle, and even spent a season raising chinchillas. Their children learned the value of hard work, generosity, and putting family first through the example their parents lived every day.

Richard had a quiet, competitive spirit and loved spending time with family around the game table. Whether it was 42, straight dominoes, or one of many card games, he was a formidable opponent and could usually beat anyone willing to challenge him. He also had a well-known sweet tooth and never turned down a bowl of ice cream. Those simple moments, sharing meals, games, laughter, and time together, became treasured memories for everyone who knew him.

Those who knew Richard will remember his quiet strength and gentle spirit. It would be difficult to find anyone who ever heard him raise his voice in anger, speak an unkind word about another person, or utter a curse word. He led by example, treating everyone with kindness, humility, and respect.

Richard's greatest accomplishment was never measured by titles or possessions, but by the family he loved, the faith he lived, and the example he set for generations to follow.

Richard is survived by his wife Edna Mae Hoenig Hermes, his children Ronnie (Dana), David (Melissa), Eugene (Lora), Larry (Kitie), Shirley (Jeff) Krueger, Gayle (Amanda), Dale, Beverly (Ronnie) Fisher, Leroy (Christy), nineteen grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by his siblings Walter Hermes, Patricia (John David) Hermes Fleitman, Patrick (Carol), Marcella (Billy) Hermes Zimmerer, Mary Ann Hermes Hess, and sisters-in-law Clara Hermes, Cecelia Hoenig, and Rita Hoenig Cottle.

He is preceded in death by his parents Julius and Cecelia Flusche Hermes, brother and sister-in-law William and Mary Evelyn Hermes, brother Julius Hermes, sister-in-law Joann Hermes, and brother-in-law Earl Hess; and in-laws Rupert and Jeannie Hoenig, Eleanora and Carl Pelzel, Jerome and Cece Hoenig, Raymond Hoenig, and Lucille Hoenig.

Richard leaves behind a legacy of faith, quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and unconditional love for his family. His life reminds us that greatness is often found not in extraordinary achievements, but in faithfully doing ordinary things with extraordinary love.

Rosary will be held Friday, September 18, starting at 6:00 p.m., at Geo. J Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville, with visitation to follow, concluding at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 19, starting at 10:00 a.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Lindsay, with burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stanford House.