Gerald “Jerry” Patrick Richards

Gerald “Jerry” Patrick Richards, 84 of Port Neches, Texas passed away on April 6, 2026. Jerry was born on May 5, 1941, to Carlton and Floreine Richards. He served in the Army, worked as an iron worker, exterminator, a pipeline and shipyard worker, small engine repairman, grass-cutter, handy man, and everything in-between. Jerry spent his years helping others any way he could. You could often find him tinkering on a project in his shop while blaring music, sitting in his recliner with a lap full of dogs, eating Dairy Queen blizzards, “peppering targets” at the gun range, sharing words of wisdom, or spending time with his family. Jerry married the love of his life, Loretta in 1964. Together they raised three children and twice as many animals than Noah had on the Ark. During their 60 years together Jerry and Loretta set an example of unconditional, selfless love. Jerry will be remembered for his quick-wit, storytelling, impressive memory, dependability, stubbornness, and ability to hold a conversation with anyone over any topic. Jerry’s favorite pastime was making himself and others laugh, usually with a candid comment, offensive t-shirt, or wisecrack remark.

Jerry is survived by his children, Darrin and wife, Janis Richards, and Denise and husband, Mick Stephens; siblings, Carlton “Bud” and wife Lynn Richards, Barbara “Barbara Annie” Richards, and Jacquelyn “Jackie Sue” Steen; grandchildren, Amanda and husband Paul Gomez, Brandon Block, Catherine Block, Lindsey and husband Cody Eldridge, and Lauryn and husband Tim Smith; great-grandchildren Levi Smith and Emerson Eldridge; friends that turned into family, Adela, Eduardo, and Junior Valencia; and his beloved dogs, Copper, Buddy Dawg, Happy, and Zoey. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Floreine Richards, his son, David Block, and his wife, Loretta Richards.

Years ago, Jerry was interviewed and had some sage advice for future generations: “If you can think for yourself, have good values, and work hard, then there is no problem you can’t figure out and nothing you can’t do.”

As Jerry was known to say, he had a damn good run.

Cremation arrangements for Jerry were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.