Richard J. Renschler, Jr.
March 21, 1943 - April 23, 2016

Richard J. Renshchler, Jr. met his Lord and Savior, when he passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Richie was 73. He was a champion and courageously fought cancer for 14 years.

Richie will be laid to rest with Military Honors during a graveside service on Monday, April 25, 2016, at 1 p.m., at Oakwood Cemetery, in Waco, TX. Pallbearers will be Jim Bush, Steve Brown, David Crutchfield, Joe Guyton, Cecil Henry, and Parnell McNamara. Honorary pallbearers are the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas State Guard. The Reverend Eric Howell of Dayspring Baptist Church will preside.
Richie was born in Waco on March 21, 1943 to Norma Dean and Richard J. Renschler, Sr.

Richie loved growing up and living in Waco. His first job was at Williams Drug Store downtown, where he made grilled cheese sandwiches and served soda fountain drinks. He was a loyal and hardworking individual his entire life.

Richie graduated from Waco High School in 1962. He remembered driving in bustling downtown Waco, during the fun times of the 1950’s, and racing his 1946 Ford coupe down the drag loop of Austin Avenue, Waco Drive, and Franklin Street. His family’s business and family were downtown during the tragic 1953 Waco tornado, which he remembered well.

He later graduated from Tyler Junior College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business. He was attending East Texas State University, majoring in Business, when he felt the call of duty during the Vietnam War and joined the U.S. Army. He served as a Sergeant in Korea, where he also started an orphanage to help Korean children. When he was honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Waco to complete another Associate of Arts Degree from McLennan Community College in Computer Technology. His entrepreneurial spirit called him and he began to run the Renschler Automotive business that his Dad left to him and his brother Tom. He was a savvy businessman who went on to start other successful companies, including Texas Star Security, Inc., Texas Star Equipment Company, Texas Small Firearms Training Academy, Renschler Brothers Properties, RTR Enterprises, and others over the years. He was a natural born leader and was passionate about his work and volunteer endeavors.

Richie was an avid and excellent bowler for many years, bowling a perfect 300 score multiple times. He was a member of the Waco Bowling Association and the American Bowling Congress. Some of his fondest memories were of his bowling buddies and the grand times they had bowling around the country.

Richie was a giver as evidenced by his volunteer involvement in several organizations over the years, including the Texas State Guard, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel; The American Legion Post 121; The Masonic Lodge, as a 33rd Degree Mason; the National Rifle Association; and the Volunteer Services Council for Waco Center for Youth. Renschler’s Automotive sponsored numerous Waco sports teams over the years, also. The State of Texas awarded Richie the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal for his distinguished service in the Military Forces of Texas.

Richie served as a McLennan County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and was awarded longest tenured deputy several years ago.

Richie was a District 22 candidate for Texas Senate in 2002 and became interested in politics because of his desire to serve others.

Richie became a Christian in his youth, where he was baptized at Beverly Hills Baptist Church in Waco. He had great memories of the old time tent revivals around Waco that his Mom took he and his brother to. In 1981 he became a member of Lakewood Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon, Elder, and Board Member.

Richie is remembered as a sports enthusiast, who enjoyed playing golf, bowling, fishing and hunting. He also valued his relaxing times playing Gin Rummy with his Ridgewood Country Club friends in the 19th Hole. He loved traveling, especially to Las Vegas to compete in card tournaments.

Richie cared deeply for his employees and several of them referred to him as “Pop.”

He was a loving father and husband, a gentle, caring protector, and his family could see and feel his love for them in his beautiful blue eyes and warm hugs. His wit and humility were traits his family and friends enjoyed.
Richie was preceded in death by his parents, Norma & Richard Renschler, Sr.; grandparents, Lillian and Edward Dupree; and paternal uncle, Ronnie Renschler.

He is survived by his wife, Dana Burleson Renschler, of Waco; daughters, Kriste O’Shea, of Phoenix, AZ; Skyler Baty, and husband, Robbie Baty, of Dallas; brother, Tom Renschler and wife, Beverly Renschler, sister-in-law; grandchildren, Corey Bogans, of Waco; Devin Bogans, Taryn Bogans, and Lexiailee O’Shea of Phoenix, AZ; and sister-in-law’s, Cassy Burleson and Debby Burleson, of Waco; other loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his adoring dog, Angel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Lakewood Christian Church, at 6509 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710; to Dayspring Baptist Church, at 7900 Renewal Way, Waco, TX 76712; or, to the Kylie Rowand Foundation, a non-profit children’s cancer organization, at 2710 Alpine Blvd., PMB 128, Alpine, CA. 91901.

The family expresses special thanks to Dr. John Speckmiear and Staff, Hillcrest Clinic, Waco; Texas Oncology, Waco; Providence Hospice, Waco; and UTMB Galveston.

Our earthly loss is heaven’s gain. Numbers 6:24-26

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