Richard Allen Dehnel

Richard Allen Dehnel, 69, went to his heavenly home on November 3rd, 2023. Visitation will be at Krestridge Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Cactus Drive Church of Christ. Interment will follow in the Sundown Cemetery.

He was born February 3, 1954 to Raymond and Novella Dehnel. He was the 5th of 7 children, and the first boy born. Richard loved God, his family, his friends, baseball, golf, football, basically any sport, and woodworking. His favorite sport was baseball. He loved watching and coaching his kids and grandkids in their sports. He grew up in McCamey, then moved to Crane, where he met his previous wife, Cindy Ellison, and helped her raise her children, Jaci and Chad. He started his 48-year oilfield career with Gulf, then Chevron where he worked many positions, from pumper to supervisor on the McIlroy. He was transferred to Sundown as a head oilfield operator, and ended his time as a Measurement Specialist. He retired from Chevron after 43 years, and kept working 5 more years with Sabinal Energy.

Richard met Alice at church in Crane. They fell in love and were married for 31 years. After they married, they moved to Levelland and together raised Alice’s daughters, Casey and Crissy. Richard and Alice wanted a child of their own, and were blessed with their daughter, KaLee. In 2020, Richard learned of another son, Gerimie, and welcomed him to the family.

Richard loved to play baseball, he was a great catcher, and he played on a minor league team for many years. He coached many kids in Crane, Levelland, and Sundown, including his own kids and grandkids. Richard was 34 years sober, which is one of his greatest accomplishments. He wanted all of his friends, family, kids, and grandkids to know that it is possible to overcome an addiction, and he was proof. He was a great example to those who knew him, and his great love for the Lord was evident in how he led his family.

 He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Novella; his previous wife, Cindy; his sister, Ava; and his brother, Doug.

Richard is survived by his wife, Alice; his daughters, Jaci Mendoza and Chris, Casey Hernandez and Esteban, Crissy Torres and Cisco, KaLee Gattis and Paul; his sons, Chad Ellison and Teresa, and Gerimie Smith. Richard was blessed with 15 Grandkids; and 8 Great grandkids.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home. (806)897-1111