Deacon Richard Menchaca

“Allow the light and healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God.” - St. Pope John Paul, II

Richard Menchaca, 73, of Waco, TX, passed away on April 24, 2025 in the loving embrace of his beloved wife Tani. He was born on March, 29, 1952, in San Saba, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas M. Menchaca and Mary (Martinez); his brother, Thomas “Sonny” Menchaca; and his granddaughters, Madison and Mackenzie Wisenbaker.

Richard graduated from San Saba High School in 1970 where he was an active member of the National Honor Society, the marching and jazz bands, and the local FFA chapter. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s in business administration. Richard began his career as a Bank Examiner with the State of Texas Savings and Loan. He spent the majority of his banking career in various roles as a Loan Officer, Vice-President, and Branch Manager and retired as an Education Specialist with the Texas Education Agency in 2019.

Richard married Tani Torres on May 31, 1975 and the two settled between the towns of San Saba and Goldthwaite, TX for nearly 40 years. It was here where he committed his life to the service of God, family, and the local community. Richard tirelessly fulfilled numerous civic duties as a member of the San Saba ISD and Goldthwaite ISD school boards for collectively 26 years, the Rotary and Lions Clubs for 34 years, the San Saba Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Board, and the San Saba Cemetery Association. He served as a volunteer EMS driver, as well as a certified EMT for several years. He supported the local youth as a Catholic ministry mentor, baseball coach, and county livestock show supporter. He was also a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. The height of his charity came through his service of 30 years as an ordained Deacon. Richard served the Catholic parish communities of St. Mary’s in San Saba, St. Peter’s in Goldthwaite, and St. Louis in Waco. It was in this time of service that Richard impacted the lives of thousands by presiding over hundreds of baptismal, matrimonial, and funeral sacramental blessings.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Tani of Waco, TX; his daughter Michelle Wisenbaker and son-in-law, Marcus of Prosper, TX; his son, Marcus and daughter in-law, Brooke of Brownwood, TX; his son, Matthew of Dallas, TX; his son, Michael of Waco, TX; his sister, Esther Cisneroz and husband Pedro of San Antonio, TX; his sister, Cynthia Creek and husband Larry of Calallan, TX; his brother, Robert and wife Avelia of Liberty Hill, TX; six grandchildren, Aaron and wife Alexandra, Rebecca, Ely, Mallory, Maddox, and Morgan; and great granddaughter, Jewel.

A visitation/rosary will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:30 – 8:00pm at OakCrest Funeral Home in Waco, TX. A rite of Christian burial will be held on Friday, May 2nd at 10:00am at St. Louis Catholic Church in Waco, TX, with Father Ryan Higdon officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Oakcrest Funeral Home of Waco will be in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers are Aaron Menchaca, Ely Menchaca, John Robert Menchaca, Thomas Castilleja, Ryan Martinez, Anthony Torres, and Timothy Boisse.