Obituary of Richard James Force

Richard James Force, born July 31, 1931 in Los Angeles, California, passed away on December 19, 2019, in Houston, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rose Marie Force; as well as his children, Richard James Force, Jr. of Houston, Texas, Helen Frances Thomas of Big Water, Utah, Robert Dale Force of Denver, Colorado and Sheryl Anne Rardin of Carrollton, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he dearly loved, including: Amy Alkola and Christopher Force; Deanna Allen and her children Brianna, Megan, Miley and Lily; Janell Mellish and her children Charleigh and Tanner; Cody Thomas and his children Isaac, Mason and Luke; Arron Force and his children Madisyn, Judah and Elizabeth; Katy Sanchez and her children Gunner, Hartley and Trinity; Hannah Lang; Daniel Force and his child Kaiah; James Rardin and his child Isabella; Mathew Rardin and his children Wyatt and Cole; Andrew Rardin and his children Alice, Tristyn, Emilia and Scarlett; and, Marley McCrory-Gardner. Richard and Marie lived in Carlsbad, New Mexico for over 50 years and enjoyed many deep friendships there. Richard really enjoyed visiting family, reading, watching NFL football and western movies and playing slot machines as well as enjoyed fishing, walking his dogs and harvesting his pecans. He had fond memories of his 33-year US government service starting in the Navy from 1951 to 1955 while stationed on the USS Midway aircraft carrier and in the US Border Patrol from 1956 to 1985. He retired with the rank of Supervisory Agent in Charge in Carlsbad, New Mexico after serving Border Patrol stations in Colton, California, Indio, California and Fort Hancock, Texas. Richard was actively involved in many civic organizations to serve his community, including membership in the Fort Hancock Lions Club, Hudspeth County School Board, Carlsbad Cavemen Football Booster Club, Carlsbad Knights of Columbus, Carlsbad Elks Lodge #1558, Las Cruces Diocese Finance and Investment Committees and Contract Bridge League. A visitation will begin at 6 p.m., Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Joseph J. Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street in Houston, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2019 in the Warren Chapel at St. Dominic Village in Houston, Texas. The Rite of Interment will follow at the Cherokee City Cemetery in Cherokee, Oklahoma.