Roll Call Tribute

Published in Houston Chronicle from March 23 to March 24, 2011

Richard Stevens Joseph
Richard S. Joseph, of Richmond, Texas, passed away on Tuesday morning, the 22nd of March 2011. He was born on the 13th of September 1926 to Josephine Selleh and Emil Joseph. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets and graduated with the Class of 1947 at AMC. He also served in World War II with both the United States Merchant Marine and the United States Air Force.

Richard had been a member of the Morton No. 72 Masonic Lodge since 1948, a member of the Arabia Shrine Temple, the Richmond Rotary Club, and served as a Richmond City Commissioner for 18 years. He was an active and longtime member of St. John's United Methodiust Church of Richmond.

After his military service and finishing college, he returned to Richmond to continue in the Joseph Family business, which has been exist[e]nce for over 108 years.

Richard Stevens Joseph was predeceased by his parents and his wife, the late Barbara Frede Joseph. He is survived by his children, Russell C. Joseph and wife Elise, Richard S. Joseph, Jr., Michael F. Joseph, and Kathryn M. Joseph; grandchildren, Jennifer J. Laporte and husband Christopher, Russell C. Joseph, Jr. and wife Mercy, and Christopher E. Joseph; great grandson, Christopher P. Laporte, Jr.; brother in law, L.C. Frede; L.W. Stolz, Jr. and numerous other cousins.

The family desires to thank his physician, Dr. David C. Chao, as well as Sara and Rev. Joel Johnson, Ernest Thomas, Della Parson, and Nancy Martin for their loving care.

At his request, a private graveside service is to be conducted at Morton Cemetery in Richmond, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Morton Cemetery Association, 611 Morton St., Richmond, TX, 77469; the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 900 Portway Dr., Houston, TX, 77024; or to his friends' favorite charities.