Richard Chmielewski

CHMIELEWSKI, RICHARD GILBERT Richard Gilbert Chmielewski, age 76, of Waco died Monday, June 23, 2003 at his residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Friday June 27 at St. Louis Catholic Church with Rev. David Leibham officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 6pm Thursday, June 26 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Richard Gilbert Chmielewski was born on July 28, 1926 in Foley, Minnesota, where he worked for family and friends harvesting grain and performing farm work. Upon the onset of World War II, Richard joined the Army and served in Europe. Richard then transferred to the Air Force where he served as an E-7 Master Sergeant until his retirement in 1964. He was stationed at James Connally Air Force Base and settled in Waco after the death of his first wife. Richard raised their two children, Petra, born in 1950 and Ronnie, born in 1954. He remained single until 1980 when he married longtime friend Sandra Hines. The two enjoyed life together while living near Patrick, just outside of Waco. Richard enjoyed traveling with Sandra, spending time with his grandchildren, and collecting ceramic frogs. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marge, two brothers, and a sister. Survivors include wife, Sandra; children, Petra and Ronnie, Cathy and Randy and twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren. We all love you and will miss you. Pallbearers will be grandsons, J. R. McNamara, Jason McNamara, Brad Redden, Lee Redden, Gabe Crye, and Joey Sterling. We have lost the sound of the voice and the touch of the hand and the daily companionship of our beloved Richard, but we will never lose the realities which give these things meaning, so long as we are, he is. Death cannot destroy the qualities of love, faith, and integrity, love is not withdrawn from us, for love is without limits, it remains with us, surrounding and fortifying us. Richard will always be among us, live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of our children and in their actions, until we see him again. Memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY