OBITUARY: Richard Lee Rabb, 63, of Llano County dies July 24

Richard Lee Rabb, 63, a lifetime resident of Llano County, passed away July 24, 2013. He was born in San Saba, Texas, on July 4, 1950, to Sam and Mary Rabb.

The Rabbs have been part of the ranching tradition in Texas for seven generations. Richard was a descendant of Austin’s “Old 300.” These were some of the first residents of the area, and Richard was very proud of his family’s heritage.

Part of that tradition involved ranching and raising show steers for his two daughters as well as countless others. He was a member, a past president and a director of the Hill Country Livestock Raiser’s Association. Richard gave his time as a volunteer at the Fort Worth Stock Show and enjoyed watching the show calves he raised achieve success in the show ring.

Richard attended Llano schools for 12 years and graduated in 1968. He was a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1972, when he earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science.

Upon graduation, Richard went to work for the Federal Land Bank. He had a 27-year career and retired in 2000. He spent many an hour on the golf course and enjoyed hunting in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico. He loved watching his two daughters, Casey and Cassidy, play basketball.

Richard married the love of his life, Debbie Welgehausen, on June 10, 1972. They were married for 41 years and are the proud parents of Casey and Cassidy. They also are the proud grandparents of Avery and Camry. Richard was fondly known to his granddaughters as “CowPa.”

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter Casey Kendrick and her husband Andy and their daughters, Avery and Camry, of Friona; and daughter Cassidy Rabb of Stephenville. He also is survived by his parents, Sam and Mary Rabb of Llano; brothers, Sam Rabb Jr. and wife Carol and Hilton Rabb and wife Ginny, all of San Antonio, and Russell Rabb and wife Jane of Llano; mother-in-law, Marion Welgehausen of Fredericksburg; brother-in-law, Myron Welgehausen and wife Lisa of Fredericksburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Oliver Welgehausen.

A memorial service is 10 a.m. July 27 at Lutie Watkins United Methodist Church of Llano.

Contributions in memory of Richard may be made to the Hill Country Livestock Raiser’s Association, the Llano County A&M Club or the charity of your choice.

Cremation arrangements by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300. Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net or go to www.whhfuneralhome.com for condolences.