Richard graduated in 1969. He joined the USAF in 1973 and retired after a full career. College was again on the list with graduation in 1995 from South Plains College with an ASB and in 1997 from Texas Tech University with a BBA. In 1979 a truck ran through his house burying his wife under 3 feet of rubble and breaking her back. Most of the next 26 years she spent in a wheelchair. Richard is still married to his one and only wife. During her time of incapacitation, Richard raised two daughters, did all the grocery shopping, laundry, and keeping track of everything.