Richard Wesley Gentry, age 88, left this world peacefully on February 20, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. Funeral services will be held at the Branon Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. with Johnny Hall and Pastor Jim Medley officiating. Entombment will follow at Dawson County Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Branon Funeral Home.
Richard was born on November 4, 1934 in Slaton, Texas to Wesley and Willie B. (Cloninger) Gentry. He graduated from Slaton High School in 1952. He worked for Santa Fe Railroad in California for 2 years after graduating from High School. Richard volunteered for the draft and was inducted into the Army on October 20, 1954. He went to Ft. Bliss, Texas for 8 weeks of Basic Training, followed by 6 months of special schooling in Anti-aircraft & Guided Missile. He was stationed at the South Carolina Research Center as an Artillery Survey Specialist. During his time in the military, he enjoyed pitching for the baseball team and driving the Captain around. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 19, 1956.
Richard married Gwendolyn Gowens on June 4, 1957 in Lubbock. He received a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering in May of 1961. Richard and Gwen moved to Lamesa in 1964. Richard worked as an engineer at Bruton Mfg. Co and later became the owner. Richard was a longtime active member of the Optimist Club, First Baptist Church and served as a Lamesa ISD school board trustee. His favorite pastime was playing dominoes with whoever was willing. Richard was an avid sports fan and supported all Texas Tech athletic teams.
He is survived by his wife Sally Becker Gentry, whom he married on May 14, 2014, his son Arlan and wife Lisa of Lubbock; his daughter Kayla and husband Corey Lindsey of College Station; six grandchildren, Wes (Kayla) Gentry of Sioux Falls, SD, Cooper (Jocelyn) and Caleb Gentry of Lubbock, Karley (Wesley) White of Ft. Collins, Co, Connor Lindsey, and Kendra Lindsey; two great grandchildren, Marshall Gentry and Carter Gentry. He is also survived by his brother Travis and wife Geraldine of Floydada, and sister-in-law Ella Mae Gentry of Lubbock along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Gwen, his parents Wesley and Willie B.; his brothers Jerry and Tommy; his son Van; and grandson Samuel Richard Gentry.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers at Raider Ranch. We appreciate the loving care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 399, Lamesa, Texas 79331 or to Make a Wish foundation North Texas, 9117 Milwaukee, Suite 500, Lubbock, Texas 79424.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Branon Funeral Home.
