Richard Smith

Richard Haden Smith, 82, of Rhome passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Decatur. He was born September 28, 1940, to Philip and Bertha (Higginbotham) Smith in Houston. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his son, David Smith. He was in the US Air Force and served in Germany during the Cold War as a Signals Intelligence Specialist. Richard attended Texas A&M for his freshman year of college and studied Mechanical Engineering.  He later went back to college and obtained a BA in Russian Studies from the University of Houston, at the age of 50. He began his career with American General and then worked as a Safety Engineer at Foster Wheeler for 30 years. Richard was a member of Cross Timbers Church in Argyle. He enjoyed reading, both to learn and as a hobby, discussing politics, and spending time with his family. Richard is survived by his wife of 23 years Diane Fletcher; son, Tyler Smith, and his wife Angela; daughter-in-law Cindy; daughter, Lisa, and her husband Keith; brother Paul Smith; grandchildren Brooke, her husband Daniel, and their daughter Sloane, Austen, Jacob, Hugo, and Alex; nephews Todd and Kelly, niece Amanda, and extended family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.