Richard Puente, Sr.

Richard Puente was the fifth child born to Alfred and Bertha Pelt Puente. A lifelong resident of the Beaumont area, Richard grew up alongside his nine siblings. In second grade, Richard met the love of his life, Patricia Smith. They married in 1969 at the ages of 16 and 19. Richard was a hardworking family man, and he and his beloved wife Pat welcomed their first child, Richard Jr., in December 1970, later followed by their daughter Sherry Puente.

Richard worked as a welder for over 43 years, retiring from Signal International. Throughout his career, he was known as a well-liked and respected leader, forging lifelong relationships and friendships, including with his best friend Tom. Richard was a man of simple pleasures, someone who appreciated the smaller joys in life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing pool, fishing during the summers with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and listening to classic country music while enjoying a Crown on the rocks.

While Richard wore many titles in his life—loving husband, devoted father, beloved brother and son, and proud Papa—the title he cherished most was that of provider for all those he loved. Whether it was paying the mortgage, attending his son’s baseball games, supporting his grandkids and great-grandkids at school assemblies, or sharing a weekend morning coffee with his sister Eva, Richard always made sure to show up for his loved ones.

A simple, kind, and great man, Richard celebrated 56 years of marriage to his wife Pat, and he took great pride in being the family’s provider, teacher, and leader. After a challenging few years with his health, Richard Puente Sr. passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Puente; children, Richard Puente Jr. and his wife, Susan of Beaumont, and Sherry Puente and her partner, Michelle Wiggins; brother, Roberto Puente; grandchildren, Johnny Segada Jr.; Haylee and Chelsey Puente; Allison Stephenson and her husband, Christian; Whitney Dronnet and her husband, Manuel Savala; Nicholas Dronnet; and Olivia Cupp; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Mackenzie, Bryan, Chloe, Shiloh, Lily, Cyrus, and Emmett; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Puente and Bertha Pelt Puente, and his siblings, John Puente, Little John Puente, James Puente Sr., Anthony Puente, Eva Davis, Evelyn Broussard, Patricia Rivera, and Geneva Puente.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 5:00 pm, with the funeral service at 6:00 pm, Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.