Richard J. Elizondo

February 9, 1932 - September 25, 2012

Richard Elizondo, Sr., 80, of Port Arthur passed away on Monday, September 25, 2012, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born in Louise, Texas on February 9, 1932 to Pete and Susie Vann Elizondo. Richard graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1951 and joined the United States Army, where he served in the Armored Tank Division. He met and married the love of his life, Lenora Lopez in August of 1958. They made their home in Port Arthur and he was employed by Texaco as a carpenter for 43 years. Richard was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He served as an usher for many years and was a member of the Senior Club. He was also a member of Club Amigo's. He was a talented athlete and had a great love for baseball. He played for many teams throughout the years including Thomas Jefferson High School, Texaco Oilers and Our Lady Saints and in his later years, the Lonestar Old Timers Softball League. He was honored to be inducted into the Latin American Softball State Hall of Fame. He is preceded in death by his son, Richard Elizondo, Jr., his mother, Susie Elizondo, his father, Pete Elizondo, sisters, Susie DeLeon and Esther Tomplait, and brothers, Henry Elizondo, Joe Elizondo and Marcus Elizondo. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lenora Elizondo and brother, Albert Elizondo and wife Ester of Port Arthur and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, from 5-8 PM at Clayton Thompson funeral home with a Rosary at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 1 PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Rev. T.R. Blanco, Rev. Steven McCrate and J.C. Coon serving as co-celebrants. Burial will follow at Memory Garden cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Perez, John Tomplait, Chuck Elizondo, James Tomplait, Jr., James McCrate and George Elizondo. Honorary pallbearer is Ricky Collida. Special thanks to Teresa Turcios, Stella Foreman, Rick Collida, Judd Simon, Rose Griffin and River City Hospice nurses and staff for your care and kindness. Donations may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and St. Joseph Catholic Church.