Richard “Rocky” Oren Cheshire

Richard “Rocky” Oren Cheshire, 77, went home to his heavenly father on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Weslaco, Texas. He was born August 9, 1946 in Harlingen, Texas, to parents Richard Lee and Ruby Jean Pederson Cheshire, and was raised, along with his brother Allen, in Los Fresnos, Texas. He attended the University of Houston, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and developing what would become a lifelong love of physical activity, teaching, and sports. A dedicated educator, coach, and referee, Rocky worked for many Texas schools over a 50-year career. He was a proud member of the Rio Grande Valley Basketball Officials Association, for which he served as president, rules chairman, and division representative. He will be remembered fondly and missed by his colleagues and former students.

Rocky and his wife Linda loved to travel together and were passionate about rescuing and nurturing animals. In his spare time, Rocky took great pride in gardening and maintaining his lawn, and when not refereeing weekend games, he could often be found in the yard from morning until evening tending his plants and landscaping.

Rocky, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, is survived by his wife Linda Robinson Cheshire; his children Shawn Cheshire, Elisabeth Chavez (German), Richard Aaron Cheshire, Lily Beth Catherine Cheshire, and Lucy Bell Robin Cheshire; stepchildren Daniel Randolph Nicely, Sarah Lin Lankau (Tim), Mary Elisabeth Nicely, and Bethany Ann Remlinger (Paul); and grandchildren Brytni, Ryker, Tristan, Richard, Aidan, Owen, Jacob, Ben, Esther, Ellie, Joshua, Riley, Regan, Aaron, and Norah. He is preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter Mia Isabella Chavez.

His family wishes to thank their Wesley Methodist Church family for their constant support and prayer, the Sunshine Haven and Aurora House hospice facilities for their loving and compassionate care, and Harlingen EMTs for their assistance and encouragement.

The Cheshire family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.  Funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in Harlingen.  Burial services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wesley Methodist Church in Harlingen, Sunshine Haven of Olmito, Aurora House of Weslaco, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or the SPCA.

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21