Paul David Rich
Paul David Rich, 71, died June 2, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born in Wilburton, Okla., on May 16, 1940, to Elbert and Ruby Dee Rich.
He attended Wilburton High School and continued his education at Eastern Oklahoma State College. He began his career as a “bread man” supplying bread to grocery stores. A born salesman, he spent 36 years as a sales representative in Texas and Oklahoma for S.C. Johnson Wax.
He could walk into any grocery store in Oklahoma and find someone he knew. He left a trail of friends wherever he went.
After his three children made Central Texas their home, he moved to Horseshoe Bay in 2004 with his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years. He felt blessed and fortunate to be near the family that he so deeply loved, and he easily found a new community of lifelong friends in Texas. He had a strong, unwavering faith in God and quickly became involved with Marble Falls First Baptist Church as a lay senior adult director. Church members, friends and family of all ages adored his gregarious spirit, adventurous nature and generous soul.
He loved to travel and visited all 50 states, Israel, Mexico, Europe and Canada. Even in countries where he could not speak the language, he never met a stranger. Always sharply dressed, his positive sense of style matched his love of life.
Survivors include his wife Eva Lee Rich; brothers Cecil Rich and wife Bettye and Bobby Joe Rich and wife Jerie; son Russell Rich; daughters Autumn Rich and Danette and husband Steve Koebele; grandchildren Hunter Rich, Jett Determan, Spencer Koebele and Fletcher Koebele; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers W.H. Rich and Elbert “Pat” Rich.
Visitation was June 6 at First Baptist Church, 501 12th St. in Marble Falls. A funeral service followed at the church.
A graveside service is 2 p.m. June 7 in Wilburton, Okla.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marble Falls First Baptist Church, Building Fund, 501 12th St., Marble Falls, TX 78654.
Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin.