October 15, 1930 –  September 24, 2011  Richard L. â??Richâ? Worstell, 80, passed away Sat, Sept 23, 2011. Rich was born on October 15, 1930, in St Louis, Mo. He attended Lutheran parochial elementary school, high school and graduated from Brayton School of Aeronautics in St. Louis. He had a lifelong passion for flying, started flying at age 13 and obtained his pilotâ??s license at age 16. He was involved in aviation his entire life and he w as never happier than when he was flying or messing around with airplanes. He loved teaching people to fly and working with pilots to improve their flying skills and a better understanding of their airplane. He was able to fulfill his dream of building his own seaplane and he was recognized by the FAA for his lifelong commitment to aviation.
After being in the Air Force, living in New Mexico and California, Rich moved to Texas. For over 30 years, he has been the driving force that built Cedar Mills on Lake Texoma into the beautiful marina and resort that it is. Rich was an avid sailor. He brought Valiant Yachts to Lake Texoma and built these semi-custom boats here for 25 years. The sailboats he built are being sailed worldwide enabling many sailors to fulfill their dream.
He has been very active in EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assn), QBs, Lake Texoma Assn and Faith Lutheran Church along with other aviation and boating organizations over the years. Because of his fun personality, caring nature, perseverance and leadership, he was loved by many and will be sorely missed.
Rich is survived by his wife Jan of Gordonville, daughter Karen Sue and husband Mark Armer of Sadler, sons Kris and wife Molly, and Randy and wife Karen both of Gordonville as well as grand children, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son David and brother Fred.
The memorial service for Rich will be held Thurs., Sept. 29th at 2 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 1823 N Luther Lane, Gainesville. There will be visitation after the service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/