Richard “Rick” Leroy Harrah, 79, died Thursday, July 26, 2012, in Houston.
He was born Oct. 4, 1932, son of Albert and Iva Harrah. He and Velma Jane Morton were married July 27, 1951, in Houston.
He was enlisted in the Army when he was married and was transferred to the atomic proving grounds in Camp Desert Rock, Nev., during the Korean War. He participated in several above ground bomb tests. He and his wife moved to Sonoma, Calif., to stay with his parents while stationed at Camp Desert Rock. They subsequently made their home in Sonoma after his discharge in 1954.
He worked in the local plywood plant in Sonoma and was later a retail door-to-door milkman for Stornetta’s dairy for 18 of the 20 years spent in California. He served as Royal Rangers District Commander in northern California for 10 years.
He and his wife moved to Houston in 1974. They built a new home together on five acres deeded to them by Velma’s mother, Minta Strickland Morton. He owned and operated Harrah’s Muffler Shop from 1977 until his retirement in 2003.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, six sisters and one grandson.
Survivors include his wife, Velma; four sons; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Services were Saturday, July 28, at Cabool Assembly of God with Pastors Dan Montgomery and Darrel Loughridge officiating. Burial was in Oakhill Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas County Hospice of Care. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.
