Thomas Powell Richards,72, returned to his Father in Heaven at 5:50 p.m. on September 21, 2015. The eldest of four children born to Thomas Sidney and Edna Maude ("Eddie") Lawhon Richards on July 17, 1943, Tom was a proud Aggie, Class of '65 and in 2006 was named a Distinguished Alumnus. He took every opportunity to recruit what he considered the best of the best for the incoming freshman class. He loved visiting with young people and sharing what he says he learned throughout his life and career over a cup of coffee in his office.

He began his life long career in the oilfield in South Texas doing "what nobody else wanted to do". He hired on with Global Marine as a driller working and living all over the world. In 1974 he left Global to start his own business, Richards Drilling Company in Bay City, Texas. He joined Penrod Drilling Company which was later acquired by Diamond Offshore where he was Sr. Vice President of Operations. In 1996 he was chosen to be the President of DI Industries. In that position he orchestrated the acquisition of numerous companies in order to create the premier ASE international drilling contractor Grey Wolf, Inc. where he served as the Chairman, President and CEO until his retirement in 2008. Tom served as Chairman of the IADC and was named Contractor of the Year in 2002.

Tom was passionate about creating a first class waterfowl habitat at his farm in Wharton County, Texas. He would spend countless hours scouting birds and just enjoying the sunrise and sunset from a duck blind. He was an avid wing shooter and made hunting trips all over the world. He became a decoy collector later in life and enjoyed telling the story behind many of his favorites.

Tom gave credit for the success in his life to his wife Anita whom he said stood by him through it all. He loved to tell the story of how they were married in Norway and that since their marriage license was in Norwegian, her Daddy always said he didn't know if they were really married.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Anita Ramsey Richards, their sons, Ramsey, Jess and wife Stacey and Jon and wife Sara; his grandsons Drake, Carter, Myatt, Trent and Landon, his brother John and wife Susan and his sister Joanne and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Sidney Richards McDermand and his niece Nancy Richards.

He was a friend and mentor to many; always ready with a smile, hand shake and of course, a cup of coffee. He gave of himself and reveled in the success of those around him. A Memorial Service in celebration of Tom's life will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at St. John The Devine Episcopal Church, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX, followed by a reception at The River Oaks Country Club
1600 River Oaks Boulevard Houston, TX.

Thanks to the family of his lung donor and his living kidney donor Tom was able to enjoy an extended life. Tom was always humbled to have received gifts of this magnitude and his family will be eternally grateful for the additional time they had with him because of these selfless acts of kindness.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Tom's name be made to Nora's Home, Methodist Foundation, Life Gift, Holy Cross Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements with The Settegast-Kopf Company @ Sugar Creek (281) 565-5015.