Morris Derral Richards

Morris Derral Richards was born July 16, 1940 in Bryan, Texas to parents, Elbert Oscar & Lillie Irene (Horton) Richards. He was raised in Freeport, Texas. Soon after graduating high school, Morris enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in New Jersey and Georgia. He had later worked for Dow Chemical Company for a period of time and also for the Cal Farley Boys Ranch for five years.

In 1980, Morris and his wife, Brenda, moved to North Zulch, Texas where they made their home and raised their family. He retired from the maintenance department at North Zulch ISD where he was a friend to everyone and beloved by all of the students. Morris was a faithful and devoted member of First Baptist Church in North Zulch. He had acted as the worship leader in several different churches, as well.

Morris met his eternal savior, Jesus Christ, face to face the evening of January 13, 2021. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; son, Derral Richards, Jr.; daughter, Sherry Lynn Richards; brothers, George, C.H. “Pete,” and Thurman Ray Richards. Surviving family members include wife, Brenda Richards of North Zulch; daughters, Cheryl (Richard) Henderson of North Zulch and Laura Richards of North Zulch; daughter-in-law, Dehbrenda Preuss of The Woodlands; son-in-law, Craig Preuss; grandchildren, Robert, Heather, Elizabeth, Lindsay, Alyssa, Jace, Lily, Kaitlyn, Trevor and Misty; many great-grandchildren and numerous other extended family members.

A celebration of Morris’ life will be held 2 P.M., Monday, January 18, 2021 at First Baptist Church, North Zulch, Texas. Pastor of the church, Rev. Chip Parmer, will officiate the service, and interment will follow in Willowhole Cemetery. The Richards family will receive friends Sunday, January 17th from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.

Pallbearers: Robert Johnson, Vincent Brock, Ronnie Richards, Billy Simmons, Brandon Karisch, Steven Karisch, Mike Green

Honorary Pallbearers: Jace Schuenemann, Bryan Sullivan

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.