Richard (Dick) Patrick Kirtley
In loving memory of my husband, father and grandfather we share the passing of Dick Kirtley. To his friends, he was known for his sharp wit and for his dry sense of humor.
Dick was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston to parents Bruce and Heloise Kirtley. He attended Blessed Sacrament School. At St. Thomas High School he was a great athlete, honor roll student and all around good guy. He was a three-year letterman in football, a team captain and was All State his senior year, graduating in 1957. He participated in basketball, track and enjoyed writing sports articles for the school newspaper. Dick proudly looked forward to being inducted into the St. Thomas High School Hall of Fame this month.
Dick was a walk on freshman at Texas A&M earning a full scholarship by legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. In 1958 Bryant decided to take a job at Alabama, his alma mater, and because Dick’s father was seriously ill, he transferred to the University of Houston to care of his family. From 1959-1961 he played both offense and defense, was a standout player, three-year starter and letterman. He graduated in 1965.
Dick and his beloved wife Laura would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this June and were blessed with two wonderful children and five treasured grandchildren. He loved his family and was active in all aspects of their lives.
He enjoyed both the oil and aerospace industry, serving as an Energy Economist for 10 years and at NASA for 25 years. Dick was highly involved in sports of all types as a participant, volunteer or donor. He participated in over 60 triathlons and was a Life Member of the “H”.
Dick’s parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Laura, son Richard Ryan Kirtley and wife Paula of League City, TX and daughter Laura Kristen and husband Cody Simmons of Friendswood, TX. Dick was known as PaPa to Jacob Kirtley and Tyler, Ashley, Lauren and Taylor Simmons who loved him dearly. He is also survived by his sister Brucelle Kirtley of Katy and Chris Kirtley of Brookside Village, TX.
A visitation will be held from 5-8pm, Wednesday, April 12, 2017 with a rosary at 7pm at Crowder Funeral Home in League City. Funeral service will begin Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 10am in the chapel of Crowder Funeral Home in League City.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in the name of Dick Kirtley to the “H” Association at the University of Houston, PO Box 131886, Houston, TX 77219.
Laura, my prayers are with you and you family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dick in the Flight Management office at NASA. He was a very unique individual and I always looked forward to his spin of what was going on in the world. His dry sense of humor and wit would break the tension in many space shuttle or staff meetings! We parted ways many years ago, but I have very fond memories of him. As I remember him……he won’t be resting in peace, but instead running in peace! God Bless!
CONDOLENCES To Laura, Cody, Kristen, & Children, Ryan, Paula, Jacob & All Family Members of Dick Kirtley. Dick Kirtley was A good man and will surely be missed by all who knew him.
I am so sorry to hear this. He was such a sweet man.
I will always cherish the wonderful times we had doing Triathlon’s and Fun Run’s (remember Baytown Heat Wave and 4th of July Pool parties). You also made our training extremely interesting and fun. I will miss you protecting my rear, but not your collisions! Keep the training going in heaven with all good body parts 😉
I was on the football team at STHS with Dick. He was hard working, helpful to others and a real leader. I greatly admired Dick.
I am so sorry for your loss. He is with the Lord where we all hope to be. I did not know him personally but we were in the class of ’57 at St Thomas HS and I watched him play on the grid iron many, many times.
So sorry to hear this news. I know Dick was a great man and looked forward to attending his well deserved induction into the St.Thomas Sports Hall of Fame. He was a great teammate in our years together. My prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry to learn of Dick’s death. I was on the St. Thomas football team with Dick. He was a real leader. I probably have not seen Dick since high school. It was a pleasure to see what a wonderful life he lived. The sad part is that people like Dick will be sorely missed by his family and by the community.
My prayers are with his family.
Ryan, Paula & Jacob, Uncle Phil and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather…our prayers are with each of the Kirtley family.
Carolyn (Schales) & Phil Simmons
I was shocked to here of Dick’s passing, he just visited with our class of ’57 luncheon at our monthly meeting at Sacred Heart Hall a couple of weeks ago. He was a gentleman and a scholar and an all around athlete. He will be missed by the class of ’57 alumni group, may he rest in peace.
I am greatly saddened to learn of your loss. Dick was a friend through our years at St. Thomas and at A&M. At St. Thomas I wrapped his ankles many time during football season and can attest to his love of football and St. Thomas. His love of the University of Houston was also easy to see as well. May his love of family and life be a comfort to all. My thoughts and prayers will be a small part of the many that are being sent your way. God Bless you and bring solace to all.
Brucelle, your brother was an amazing guy and am so sorry to hear of his passing.
I know you must be extremely proud of his accomplishments. Take care, with love
from your Incarnate Word Academy alumna member and lifelong friend.
Two weeks ago during a phone conversation, Dick told me that he “was still running at 77”. I confided to him that I was still walking at 78. I would follow his lead anywhere and hope I do. Not only did I enjoy Dick’s humor, but he was one of the kindest, most concerned people I have known.
Brucelle – My deepest condolences to you and your family at the loss of your brother Dick. My prayers are with you and your family. May he rest in peace.