Our beloved Richard G. Hogue of Rockport, formerly of Cuero, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on July 15, 1933, in Sanford, Maine.
Richard was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, where he proudly served as an usher. A proud veteran, former police chief, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his life was marked by strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to his family and community.
As a young man, Richard was a gifted athlete who played football, ran track, and was a member of the glee club — he loved singing and dancing and carried that passion with him throughout life. His plans to move to Hollywood took a turn after a car accident, leading him to join the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in Corpus Christi. It was there he found a photograph of a young woman in another sailor’s room — Shirley Anita — and felt compelled to call her. That moment began a love story that would last a lifetime.
He married the love of his life, Shirley Anita Lunsford Hogue, on April 19, 1956. Together they shared 63 years of marriage, a home filled with laughter, music, and unwavering faith. Richard supported Shirley in her role as a homemaker and prayer warrior, and together they raised a large, loving family.
After his service in the Navy, Richard continued a life of public service. He served as a police officer in Austin and eventually became Chief of Police in Cuero, Texas. Later, he transitioned to the oilfield to better provide for his family. In retirement, he became well-known for selling “Hogue’s Famous Bait Soap and Worms,” continuing to serve his community in his own way — always with humor, heart, and determination.
He is survived by his children: Carol Aguillard (Keith) of Eunice, LA; Lynda Baker of Rockport; Patricia Conrad (Craig) of Cuero; James Hogue (Linda) of Beeville; William Hogue of Houston; and Crystal Hogue-Garcia (Richard) of Rockport. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with the many lives he touched and the children he helped guide throughout the years.
Richard is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Anita Lunsford Hogue; their son, Richard G. Hogue Jr.; his mother, Ida Hogue Tibbetts; his brother, Melvin Hogue of Massachusetts; and his sister, Jean Thompson of New Hampshire.
His legacy of strength, service, and faith lives on in each life he touched. He was a man who gave all he had — to his country, his church, and most of all, to his family. He will be deeply missed and forever honored.
Pallbearers are Jacob Aguillard, Richard Conrad, Ricardo S. Garcia, John Garcia, Janice Hogue, and Arthur Rodriguez Jr.
Honorary pallbearers include the old Dairy Queen coffee group (The House of Knowledge), Bible study group and his remaining poker buddy.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church or St. Michael’s Catholic School.