Richard Gene Punches

Richard Gene Punches of Plano, Texas and formerly of Georgetown, Texas passed away on April 27, 2019.  He was 90 years old.  Richard was born on September 5, 1928 in Wymore, Nebraska to parents Joseph and Alela Punches.

Richard attended Doane College (2 years) and the University of Colorado where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1951.  On June 11, 1950 Richard married Marilyn Hand.  Following graduation, Richard joined The College Life Insurance Company of America and earned his Chartered Life Underwriters degree.

Throughout his lifetime, Richard remained active as an alumni of the University of Colorado.  He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honor in 1979 because of his role as a defensive lineman on the varsity football team.   He also represented CU in the East-West Shrine game. He served as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and was a Recipient of the Alumni Recognition Award.

With more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, Richard’s distinguished career included success in sales, marketing, operations and consulting.  He was named President of The College Life Insurance Company in 1974.  Richard lived in Denver and Indianapolis during his tenure at College Life Insurance Company.  Following a move to Overland Park, Kansas in 1984, Richard served as President of American Continental Life Insurance.  He worked as a consultant in several executive positions for the MMI Companies.  During his career in the insurance industry, Richard held board and leadership positions in the Life Insurance Management Research Association.

During retirement, Richard enjoyed living in the Sun City community in Georgetown, Texas.  He continued his love of sports by playing golf and attending University of Colorado football games with his former teammates and alumni. He and his wife of 67 years, Marilyn, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad.

Richard will be remembered for his warm smile and his energy and enthusiasm for life.  He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

To cherish his memory, Richard leaves behind his son, Steven Punches of Richardson, Texas; daughter, Sally Davies and husband Tom of Plano, Texas; granddaughter, Sarah Freaney and husband Will of Dallas, Texas; and grandson, Tommy Davies of Dallas, Texas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Allen Family Funeral Options, 2112 West Spring Creek Parkway in Plano, Texas 75023.  A reception will follow at the Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name to Southern Schools, 43739 Highway 89, Oxford, NE 68967.  The family plans to make a financial contribution for improvements to the football stadium where Richard began his athletic career.  Local donations may be made to the Bed Start ministry at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano, TX 75023.  Bed Start helps households in poverty, crisis or need by providing household furnishings at no cost.