Richard L. Holden

Richard L. Holden, 61, of Beaumont, died Thursday, May 16, 2019, following a prolonged illness. He was born on February 23, 1958, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Janelle Stafford Holden and Jimmie Lee Holden.

Growing up Richard gained an appreciation of many people through traveling around the world as an Air Force military brat. He particularly enjoyed outdoor tent and trailer camping with his parents, Arizona being his favorite state. He loved their tradition of starting each trip with a bucket of fried chicken.

Richard played clarinet throughout his school years and college. He played in marching bands for both the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl. As an adult he played piano and guitar while enjoying all types of music. He meticulously groomed his home lawn and loved watching the flowers bloom. He keenly researched his genealogy, tracing his maternal line back to English Lady-In-Waiting Dorothy Stafford in 1526.

Richard always took great care of his truck and cars. His grandmother’s ’71 Malibu is currently perfectly maintained. He fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2016 by purchasing his own Corvette. Last year, his employer, Metalforms, Inc., designated a special parking space for Richard in recognition of his 18 years of service in I.T., Data Processing and Archiving.

Richard was a devoted Christian, particularly concerned for the well-being of the less fortunate. He was thankful for his many caregivers during the last six months, never failing to thank them daily for their kindnesses. Richard was a thoughtful, fine gentleman, always his Mother’s #1 son.  

Survivors include his mother, Janelle Holden of Beaumont, Texas; and cousins, Cora Yao of Ithaca, New York; Cathey McGuffee of Eldersburg, Maryland; Kim Ingram of Simonton, Texas; James Rodriguez of Reston, Virginia; Karen Rodriguez of Ithaca, New York; Stacy Williams of Katy, Texas; Melissa McGuffee of New Orleans, Louisiana; Serena Ptak of Eldersburg, Maryland; and Audrey Willis of Westminster, Maryland.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Jimmie; and grandparents, Florence Shorter and Floyd and Zella Holden.

A gathering of Mr. Holden’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 20, 2019, at Broussard’s, with his interment following at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Holden’s memory to Henry’s Place, 1107 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701.