Richard Allen Smerud

“To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die.” ~ Thomas Campbell Richard Allen Smerud of Lubbock passed away on March 8, 2026, following a lengthy illness. He was a giant who fought long and hard to the end. Now he has gone on to live in peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Richard was born on April 9, 1950 in Bemidji, Minnesota, the fourth child in a family that grew to eight. At age 5, he moved with his family to Reese Air Force Base near Lubbock. The Smerud family settled in Lubbock when our father's military service was over. Richard attended Lubbock High School until he joined the Navy, where he served in Vietnam between 1968 and 1972. Following his service, he and his young family settled back home in Lubbock. Post-military, he pursued a career in the Fire Protection business, under the influence of his brother-in-law Lynn. Richard completed his 669 Apprenticeship Program through Penn State correspondence, then later achieved his N.I.C.E.T. Engineering Technician Certification. From 1972 until his retirement in 2015, he designed and installed sprinkler systems for local providers; LaDew Fire Protection, Superior Sprinkler Systems, and Gailey Fire Protection. Richard loved road trips, nature, and all animals—especially Dachshunds. He adopted 3 from the Dusty Puddles rescue throughout the years. He was definitely a foodie, his all-time favorite snack was sis Janie's homemade rolls, with peanut butter. But what he loved most, was family. He had an abundance of family to visit or care for him in his final years. Richard will be remembered as a friend to many, with broad 'Norse Viking' shoulders anyone could lean on. No matter the challenge, he was a solid rock for his family and friends; for sympathy, advice, help of any kind. And with so many sisters, more often than not his help had to do with car repair. Actually, he could fix pretty much anything—or at least try. And that's why he was loved by so many, because that was his way of showing us, that he loved us too. Richard Smerud was predeceased by his wife Ruby 'Earlene' Smerud, his mother Freda Bunch, his sister Carol Price, and his step-granddaughter Chanda. He is survived by his children; Richard R. Smerud (Melissa) and Kenny Smerud, and his step-children; Randy Christopher (Connie) and Sandie Garcia. His grandchildren: Alexis-Lexie (Dalton), Amy (Stanley), Andy (Ashley), Brittany, Chris (Shannon), Jarrett, Kristopher, Kely, Kimberly-Ashton, Kyle (Brittani), Lance, and Taylor. His great-grandchildren: Bailey, Carson, Huxley, Kambry, Kane, Kase, Kivey, Kylin, Laila, Randi, Tatum, Trevor, and Trey (Cheyenne). His sisters: Beverly, Mary (Paul), Janie, and Laurie His brothers: Jimmy and Johnny (Delura). Richard also leaves behind an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Richard Smerud will be held on Saturday March 14th at 2:00 pm, at the Sanders Memorial Chapel in Lubbock, Pastor Allan Wallace officiating. The service will be broadcast simultaneously on the Sanders Funeral Home website. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, you may donate to the American Kidney Fund on Richard Smerud's behalf.

Richard Allen Smerud

April 9, 1950 - March 8, 2026