Stephen Charles Richter, life-long rancher, cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, 85, passed away on February 7, 2024 in Pleasanton. He was born on January 14, 1939 to Charles F. Richter and Philomena (Berger) Richter in Hallettsville, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Lyssy) Richter; parents Charles and Philomena (Berger) Richter; sister, Imelda (Richter) Jaksik; brother-in-law, Lee Roy Jaksik; and nephew, Frederick Jasik.

Steve is survived by his son, Patrick Richter and wife Deidre; daughters, Karen Richter Morales, and Laurie Richter and husband Billy; grandchildren, Joshua Morales and wife Leah; Colton Morales and wife Victoria; Jake and Alexandra Drew Richter; Kaden and Kyler Kolle; great-granddaughter, Magnolia Rose Morales; sisters, Charlene (Richter) Jasik and husband Jerome; Delphine (Richter) Reichert and husband Lester; brother Clifford Richter and wife Sandra, numerous nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends.

Steve's family resided in Schulenburg until 1946 when they moved to the small community of Black Hill, about 12 miles east of Pleasanton. In 1949, they moved to the "big city" of Pleasanton.

In 1963, he married Betty Jane (Lyssy) Richter, and they had three children, Karen Renee, Patrick Wayne, and Laurie Michelle. Steve has been a widower since 2009 when Betty succumbed to cancer after a long, courageous battle.

Steve began working as a rancher and cowboy while he was still in high school in the 1950's.  After graduating from Pleasanton High School in 1957, he worked cattle during the day and drove a cattle truck at night. He performed his duty for Uncle Sam and then, in 1959, returned to Pleasanton to work at Fairview Farms, later called San Jose Cattle Company, where he would continue to work, even as it changed ownership, until his retirement in 2010. The ranch provided Steve with the opportunity to work with some of the finest Santa Gertrudis cattle, cutting and racing quarter horses in the business. Upon retiring, he continued raising cattle until he was no longer able to do so due to health reasons. He was named 1985 Cowboy of the Year and inducted into the South Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2007.

Steve possessed an extensive knowledge of horses and cattle and enjoyed sharing this knowledge with younger generations. Because of this, he worked diligently, through various activities and organizations, to impart his skills with others. This passion is what eventually led him to become involved in the Atascosa County Livestock Show where he served as a Director for decades. Steve took great pride in serving the county's youth as a Director of the Atascosa County Livestock Show for many years, and held the title of Director Emeritus at the time of his death. He once said that it has been an honor to serve his community in this manner while having the opportunity to work with so many fine individuals while doing what he was born to do.

Pallbearers will be Steve's five grandsons, Joshua Edward and Colton Shane Morales, Kaden Louis and Kyler Charles Kolle, and Jake Ryan Richter; along with Kenneth Jace and Evan Scott McLeroy and Luke Richter Harrison who are the grandsons of Steve's cherished brother, Clifford Richter. We know Steve is honored by the gestures of love and respect being offered by these fine, young men.

Heaven inherited an exceptional cowboy on February 7, 2024. He continues to ride and rope in Heaven. Rest in peace, Cowboy.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choosing.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped care for Steve, especially Trinity Hospice who, for the last two years, treated him with the utmost respect, compassion, and love.

Services for Stephen are scheduled for Thursday, February 15, 2024, starting with a visitation from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with a reciting of the rosary at 7:00 pm, in the Hurley Funeral Home chapel.  Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 16, 2024, at St. Andrew Catholic Church starting at 10:00 am, followed by burial at St. Andrew #2.

For anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family, share memories or sign the online guestbook you may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com.