Richard L. Surface

Richard Lobdell Surface, 80, of Greenville, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. He was born on July 22, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to Oliver R .and Geraldine Surface. As an Air Force dependent, Richard lived in the cities of Fort Worth and Victoria, Texas, Alexandria, Louisiana, Victorville, California, Clovis, New Mexico and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Richard graduated from Garland High School in 1963 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Music degree from Sam Houston State University in 1968, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Texas in 1978. On June 8, 1968, Richard married the love of his life, Martha Herndon, in Pasadena, Texas. Commissioned upon graduation, Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1968 to 1973. His service took him to Fort Knox, Fort Benning, Bad Hersfeld, Germany, Fort Bliss, Vietnam, and Fort Hood. Following his military service, Richard dedicated nearly three decades to music education as a choral music teacher in Killeen from 1973 to 2001. He inspired countless students at Fairway and Rancier Junior High Schools, as well as Killeen and Ellison High Schools. His choirs earned numerous UIL Sweepstakes and Festival Awards. Richard was proud to conduct a choir selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in 1991. Richard’s love of music and faith also found expression through his work as a church choir director. He served congregations in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, 1st AD Memorial Chapel, Ft. Hood and in Killeen at First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church. Richard was a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, American Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Singing Men of Texas, Patriot Guard, Killeen School Retirees Association, Killeen Noon Lions Club, and Greenville Lions Club. His dedication to Lions Club service led to his role as 2X–3 District Governor during 2011–2012. In 2021, he was inducted into the Texas Lions Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected his tireless commitment to helping others. Richard was a member of First Baptist Church, Killeen where he was an ordained deacon. Family preceding him in death includes his parents and brothers, Oliver R. Surface, Jr. and James Surface. He is survived by his wife, Martha Surface; his son, Scott Surface and wife Holly; and his grandsons, Richard Surface, Michael Surface, and Mason Boutwell. His memory will be cherished by a host of beloved family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: First Baptist Church of Killeen; Singing Men of Texas North Central Chapter; Texas Lions Camp.

Richard L. Surface

July 22, 1945 - December 27, 2025