Richard (Rick) O. Nobles, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 2, with his wife and sons by his side. He was 90 years old.

Rick was born Jan. 3, 1933, in Deport, Texas to John Henry and Eunice Nobles. He is survived by Katherine, his wife of 64 years, sons James, Rick and daughter-in-law Pam "Susie", sister, Ruth and brother, Robert. Grandchildren include Joshua and fiancée Katrina, Jonathan, Jennifer and husband Steven, Katherine and fiancée Jonathan and Karli. Great grandchildren are Josslyn, Grant, Luka and Damon.

Rick spent most of his childhood in Deport and adolescent years in Dallas, graduating from Hillcrest High School. He joined the U.S. Army soon afterward and became a radio specialist/engineer. From the Army, Rick went to North Texas State University where he met his future wife, Katherine, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. The two married shortly after while Rick was doing post-graduate work and teaching algebra at NTSU.

Rick applied for a job at AC Spark Plugs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was hired to perform post-flight analysis of the inertial and radio guidance systems for the Thor, Titan and Titan II ballistic missile systems.

Three years later, President Kennedy declared the space race against the USSR. Rick applied to the fledgling NASA, was hired sight unseen, and off to Houston the young Texas couple headed, leaving the brutal Wisconsin winters behind.

Rick quickly worked his way up through the ranks at NASA during the Gemini program, ultimately becoming the section head of guidance analysis during the Apollo program and moon landings. His knowledge, guidance abilities and "fix it" demeanor propelled him into the development and management of the shuttle program in the mid-1970s — before the end of the Apollo era. After a storied career at NASA, Rick finished his aerospace career in the private sector as the push to privatize the space programs/industry moved forward in the mid-1980s.

During the latter part of his career, Rick and Kathy purchased land outside of Goodrich. He designed and built their retirement home, and the rest is history.

Rick's love, intelligence, humor and presence will be missed by so many — but his kind spirit will always live with us.

Rick's Memorial Service will be held at the Livingston Presbyterian Church on

March 18 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of The Eunice Nobles Endowment Fund at the Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services in Waxahachie, Texas. Please mail checks to:

PCHAS / The Eunice Nobles Endowment Fund

5920 West William Cannon Dr., Bldg. 3, Suite 100

Austin, TX 78749