Richard Barry Tenenbown

Richard graduated from Bellaire High School in 1963. He attended The University of Texas at Austin before transferring to the University of Houston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1967 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1970. He practiced criminal defense law in Texas state courts and the Federal Court of the Southern District of Texas for over 40 years, earning the respect of judges, prosecutors, bailiffs, clerks, colleagues in the legal profession as well as his clients. A straight shooter and man of his word, Richard held you to yours. In all matters, he sought fair resolution, held everyone to the highest standard, took principled stands, and contributed without fanfare or expectation of reward.

He placed enormous value on friendship. His relationships were not bound by age or social class but by shared interests and core values, a characteristic that drew mentors to his youth and mentees to his later years. He didn't expect everyone to like him, and he didn't mind if they chose not to do so. If he opened his heart to you, all he asked in return was to be accepted for who he was.

He was a gifted storyteller — at the dinner table, around the campfire, in the courtroom, and in intimate or large gatherings — and he could often say it all in a few perfect words: humorous, meaningful, sometimes both. Over the decades, he curated a treasury of phrases his family called Richardisms. Some were passed down from beloved mentors; others were entirely his own. A favorite was Be Somebody — his way of granting permission and encouragement to live as our authentic selves.

Unapologetically himself, Richard believed passions were the key to a life well-lived. He studied and mastered many: hunting, fishing, motorcycles, cars, reading, and boating. Resourceful and skilled with his hands, he could fix or build nearly anything. He always had several projects underway — such as designing his own bullets, shotgun shells, fishing flies, a BBQ smoker, and quail-hunting buggy. He was instrumental in rebuilding the St. Charles Bay Club after Hurricane Harvey and designing the Club’s launch.

When Richard was 30, his father died unexpectedly and tragically. Richard seamlessly stepped into the role of patriarch, becoming an advisor and steady presence for his mother and siblings — never imposing his opinions, but always providing the counsel they needed to navigate difficult and complex decisions.

He was happiest outdoors, surrounded by nature and like-minded people. He was a longstanding member of the Tejas Breakfast Club and the St. Charles Bay Hunting Club which he joined in 1981. At the hunting club, he shared the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, friends, and family for decades. He served as Club President in 1995 and 1996 and as a board member for many years. In 2021, he was named an Honorary Member in recognition of his lasting contributions.

Preceded in death by his parents George and Rose Tenenbown. He is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart Gloria Shoss Tenenbown, with whom he was married for 57 years; his son Jason and wife Lisa, and their children Leo and Ella; his son Greg and wife Lila; his brother Michael Tenenbown and wife Linda; his sister Myra Ephross; his brother-in-law Barry Shoss and sister-in-law Melanie; his brother-in-law Harry Gendel and sister-in-law Diane Shoss Gendel; and many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly and always remember him. According to his wishes, a private family service was held in his honor.

Contributions in his memory may be made to:

Goose Island State Park / Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation tpwf.org/tribute

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation (Fund 37181 – Dr. Horacio Adrogue) givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm

Breakthrough T1D https://www2.breakthrought1d.org

Type 1 Diabetes Research