Richard "Rick" Louis Fangman

On September 23, 2023, Richard “Rick” Fangman, 75, passed away peacefully at his
home in Stephenville Texas.
Richard Louis Fangman was born on February 9, 1948, the second of nine children, to
Sylvester and Rose Fangman of Hereford Texas. In 1966 he graduated from Hereford
High School and went on to West Texas State University on a football scholarship,
playing defensive tackle on their powerhouse football teams of the 1960s.
Football was just one of Rick’s many interests and successful ventures. He was a
farmer, crop duster, agriculture sales manager, and, upon retirement, a bus driver
for Stephenville ISD. He was an artisan blacksmith, an accomplished long-distance
rifle shot, a military vehicle restorer, and an avid reader. He loved nature, animals,
and children; and he enjoyed his morning coffee with his many friends. A generous
man, Rick gave to others his money, help, advice, and friendship without judgement
or reservation.
Rick’s spiritual journey was fraught at times, and therefore hard-won. A devout
Catholic through most of his life, he later parted ways with organized religion, but he
never left behind the teachings of and commitment to Christ. He was a principled
man of integrity always in search of the truth.
He will be welcomed in Heaven by his parents, brother, Andrew, and sister, Diane. He
will be waiting there for his sisters, Rose Ripley (Jerry) of Amarillo; and Doris Lea
(Tom) of Plano, who adored him. He leaves behind his children Ryan Fangman (Katy)
of Austin; Lily Fangman of Stephenville; Robert Johnson (Kim) of Austin;
grandchildren Scarlett and Barrett Fangman of Austin; and numerous relatives,
friends, and schoolchildren, who he loved, protected, and gave his support to for
many years.