Richard Paul Backus

Richard Paul Backus, born March 9, 1936, passed away on August 30, 2020, following a brief bout with cancer. Richard, also known affectionately by his friends as "Big Dick", is survived by three of his four children, Rebecca Good of Plano, Richelle Colbert of Greenville, and David Backus of Lubbock. His oldest son, Richard Reed ("Dickey") Backus, predeceased Richard in 1979. Richard also had a granddaughter, Ryan who predeceased him in 1981. Richard married Mary Helen ("Mimi") Reed in 1957 when he was serving as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He was in the service from September 1956 to March 1960. He and Mimi enjoyed more than 50 years together raising their four children, who loved them both dearly, traveling the world and making close friends wherever they went. Mimi went to be with the Lord in 2008. In 2009, Richard married Elsa Esquivel and became a beloved husband, step-father and step-grandfather to another great family. Other surviving family members are his sons-in-law's David Colbert and Thomas Good; daughter-in-law L. Jane Backus; Grandson Nicholas Good and wife Heather Good, their son, Asher; Grandson Austin Good and wife Vika Good; Granddaughter Jessica Purkey and husband Brian Purkey, their children Rylie, Olivia, and Corbin; Grandson Jacob Backus and his wife Mikala Backus; Grandson LCpl Victor Backus (USMC); Granddaughter Curran Backus; and Grandson Benjamin Backus. Elsa Backus' family members include: Daughter Kathy Esquivel and son Brian Putty; Granddaughters - Brooke Putty and wife Shelby Putty; Granddaughter Brittany Gonzalez and husband Joshua Gonzalez ; Great Granddaughters - Halie Boswell, Jocelyn Gonzalez. Richard was a character who loved life, loved being in other people's company, and loved to make people laugh. When he entered a room, people gravitated towards him because of his easy-going, charismatic charm. Richard knew no strangers because everyone he met quickly became friends. Due to his constant business dealings in the Far East and Latin America, Richard was often referred to by his children as an "international man of intrigue". His entrepreneurial business leadership combined with his gregarious personality led many to give him the nickname of "The Mayor". Those leadership traits and his love for others as well as his intense desire to get things done were passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To say that Richard will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him is an understatement, but it is a comfort to his family to know that he loved Jesus, he loved doing good for others, he loved the Marine Corps, and he is now in the company of Mimi, Dickey, and his granddaughter Ryan. Although he is gone from us, during his life he gave all of us enough great memories to treasure for our lifetimes. We love you and will miss you so much, Big Dick! Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233