Mr. Richards
Oscar L. Richards (Ike) was born in Milano on Oct. 29, 1933, to Isaac Richards and Minneola McDonald. He was the youngest of two children.
At an earl y age, he confessed his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at New Hope Baptist Church in Rockdale.
Oscar graduated from Aycock High School in Rockdale, where he played football and ran track. Known for his strong work ethic, he arrived early each morning to start the school furnace, ensuring the building was warm before classes began. After school, he worked shining shoes at the local barbershop to help his family.
After completing high school, Oscar was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War in 1952. He served at Fort Ord in Monterey Bay, California, one of the Army’s major training installations. Upon fulfilling his military obligation in 1954, he returned to Texas and briefly attended Prairie View A&M University before relocating to Houston.
After settling in Houston, Oscar worked at a neighborhood grocery store in the Third Ward area, where he met his future wife, Rosena Aycox. The two were married on May 30, 1956, and their union was blessed with two children, Milko and Darrell.
Oscar worked faithfully to support his family, beginning at Grocers Supply. In 1966, heentered the oil refining industry, where he served more than 30 years with Sinclair, ARCO, and Lyondell before retiring in 1998.
Af ter retirement, Oscar became an active member of Jordan Grove Missionar y Bapt ist Chur ch, serving on the trustee board, singing in the men’s chorus, attending Sunday School, and volunteering in the food pantry. He especially enjoyed the preaching and teaching of his pastor.
Oscar also continued his love of cooking, hosting weekly gatherings and holiday meals with Rosena. Affectionately called the “Pit Master,” he was known for his tender, savory brisket, which he prepared faithfully until his health declined.
Oscar’s health began to decline in May 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He bravely endured its long-term effects for more than six years before peacefully going home to be with the Lord on June 29, 2026.
Oscar was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister; his wife of 61 years, Rosena; his two sons, Milko Sr. and Darrell Sr.; and his granddaughter, Florence.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved grandchildren, Walonda Bennett (Darren), Darrell Richards Jr. (Ashley), Cassidy Jackson, Tarkeisha Richards, and Milko Richards Jr.; his godchildren, Teresa Henderson and Andrew Henderson, along with 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Oscar’ s legacy is one of faith, family, hard work and generosity. His presence, his cooking, and his quiet strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:4