August 22, 1948 – February 16, 2026

Our beloved Richard William Bludworth, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, in Houston, Texas at the age of 77. 

Richard was born in Houston, Texas to Richard and Dorothy Bludworth on August 22, 1948. He graduated from Milby High School and Texas Tech University. He married Sheila Fowler Bludworth on August 13, 1969, in Houston, Texas. He worked for Continental Airlines before following his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps into the maritime industry. In the 1970s – 1990s, he worked for Wolffkran, BLUDCO, Martin Gas, and Vessel Repair. In 1998, he started his own company, Bludworth Marine, which he operated until his passing. 

Richard was involved with many business, community, and philanthropic organizations during his life, including Vistage, Rotary Club, Kiwanis International, Dive Pirates Foundation, Propellor Club, Maverick Business Adventures, Northern Brazoria County Education Alliance, and Bay Area Ancient Mariners.

Richard was a lifelong outdoorsman, pilot, proud Texan, and devoted dog lover, with deep affinity for Great Danes. He traveled to all seven continents and loved experiencing different cultures and cuisines. His legacy will live on through the family ranch – Ship to Shore – which honors his family’s maritime and ranching adventures. 

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 50 years, Sheila; and family members, to include: sister-in-law Betty Bludworth, niece Sarah Bludworth, nephew Tracy Fowler, and mother-in-law Betty Fowler.

Richard is survived by: Jenny Knodell, who was devoted to him for the past 7 years; his children: Bonnie Lemcke and husband Jason, and Nicholas Bludworth and wife Marina; his two brothers: Thomas Bludworth, and Charles Bludworth and wife Phyllis; his grandchildren: Ardenn, Athena, Mazer, and Jacob; his nieces and nephews: Geoff Evans, Michael Fowler and wife Keri, Amanda Bludworth and daughter Haven, Emily Bludworth de Barrios and husband Andres and children Joaquin, Roman, and Hera, Amy Bludworth and daughter Eva, Calista Fowler, and Danae Fowler; stepmother Nadean Bludworth; and his adopted son John Isingo. 

Richard is survived by the extended family of Sheila: brother James Fowler and wife Jean, brother Malcom Fowler and wife Barbara, brother Walter Fowler and wife Morley, and sister-in-law Jan Fowler. He is survived by the extended family of Jenny: daughter Kimberly Pound, brother Stuart Rae and wife Patricia, and sister Shelley Ekeroth and husband Jeff.

He is further survived by an extensive list of friends, family, employees, and business colleagues, who were all deeply valued by Richard and his family. 

Richard’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to his full medical team, doctors, and staff over the past 25 years, and most recently to those involved in his intensive cardiovascular care at the Houston Methodist Hospital prior to his passing. The devotion to his care was deeply appreciated.

Donations in his memory can be made to: American Heart Association, Rotary Club, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Dive Pirates Foundation, or EAA Young Eagles Program.

A celebration of life will begin at 10:00 am March 21, 2026, at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at 311 Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 am.