Celebration of Life
First Baptist Church
401 Yaupon
Lake Jackson, TX  77566
Thursday, December 30, 2021
10:00 am
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Richard "Rick" Clarence Calhoun

of Lake Jackson, TX

October 16, 1947 - December 24, 2021


  • Obituary
  • Guestbook
Richard "Rick" Clarence Calhoun, 74, otherwise known as Coach Calhoun, Captain Rick, and Pop, passed away in his home December 24, 2021 surrounded by all his family singing and praising God as he entered heaven's gates. God was merciful in ending his battle with Alzheimer's that held him in bondage the last few years of his life.

Rick was born October 16, 1947 in Houston, Texas to Curtis Wood Calhoun and Nora Evelyn Davis Calhoun. Rick accepted Jesus as his personal Savior when he was a young boy. He grew up in Marlin, Texas where he played on the 1964 State Runner-up football team. He later played baseball for East Central State College where he graduated. He started his coaching career in Fairfield, Texas and then moved on to Sweeny, Texas where he met the love of his life, Judith Rae Burttschell. Rick and Judith were married December 31, 1975. They moved with Rick's coaching career to various cities welcoming 3 boys, Brad, Brent and Marc eventually ending up in Palacios, Texas in 1986. Rick coached football, baseball and golf for many years along with teaching U.S. History. Rick and Judith raised their boys in Palacios where they were members of the First Baptist Church where Rick served as a Deacon. He was also very active in the community. On weekends and summer days you could find Rick and his boys either fishing in Matagorda Bay or golfing at the Palacios Golf Course. Rick spent many summers guiding trips as Captain Rick for his side business, Lost Anchor Guide Service. Rick continued to teach in Palacios until he retired in 2005. When he realized he missed teaching, he was hired by Van Vleck ISD where he taught history an additional 4 years before retiring for a second time in 2009. He filled his free days with golfing and fishing which continued when he and Judith moved to Lake Jackson in 2018 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Rick is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judith Burttschell Calhoun, in-laws Frank and Lucille Burttschell, sons Brad Calhoun (Summer), Brent Calhoun (Wendy) and Marc Calhoun (Lisa). Rick was lovingly called Pop by 12 grandchildren, Braydon, Kenadi, Payton, McKenzi, Kole, Parker, Trent, Shelbi, Evie, Joeli, Cooper & Trevor. He is also survived by his sister, Stephanie Lee (Jimmy), brother Jimmy Ray Calhoun (Felicia), sister-in-law, Jan Hill (Dennis) and sister-in-law, Jill Burttschell along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, Curtis & Nora Calhoun.

A Celebration of Life will be Thursday, December 30th, 2021 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, 401 Yaupon St. Lake Jackson, TX. In honor of Rick and his lifelong passion, guys are encouraged to wear a fishing shirt. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org

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15 Condolence(s)
Dick Freemanv
Sherman, TX
Monday, January 31, 2022

My heart is breaking. I hope you know I love him like a brother.

Carolyn Claybourn Gallagher
Robins, IA
Friday, December 31, 2021

Dearest Judith & boys,

My sincere sympathy & condolences for your immeasurable loss. May the joy of wonderful memories soon fill your hearts with happiness. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Love & Blessings, Carolyn

Marshall and Trin Campbell
Fort Worth, TX
Friday, December 31, 2021

Rick was an amazing person He was kind and full of love. He was an incredible dad and wonderful husband. We are heartbroken for his family. Sending you all lots of love.
Marshall and Trin

Chris and Ashley Shelby
Lake Jackson, TX
Thursday, December 30, 2021

Praying for the Calhoun family.

Vicki Dorroh
Raleigh, NC
Wednesday, December 29, 2021

We are thinking about you and sending you our love. Thankful for our family and the memories we have.
Love you Aunt Judith.

Vicki Dorroh

Robert L Matusek
Houston, TX
Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Just wanted to send my condolences. I have many great memories of Coach/Captain Rick growing up in Palacios. I know he will be missed by many but I also know he is onto a better place. God Bless!

Jacob Bear
League City, TX
Wednesday, December 29, 2021

I am blessed to have known Coach Rick Calhoun! To me he was my Coach, teacher, father to of my friends Marc, Brent, Brad and husband to my church children/youth choir director Judith. He will be missed, fair winds and following seas!

Beth Dolezal
Lake Jackson, TX
Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Dear Calhoun family.

So sorry for the loss on earth of Mr Calhoun. Truly he has left an amazing heritage. I have the privilege of working with 2 of his 3 sons, Marc and Brent.
They are outstanding gentlemen and men of integrity. Also got to witness their influence working with the Upwards Teams as my grandchildren were privileged to have them as their coach. Was so sweet to see them out there praying and sharing Jesus with those kids.

So very thankful for our Lord and Savior Jesus Who gives us that eternal hope referenced in the obituary. Any time is tough, but i know your Christmas season will always remind you of your loss here on earth. And it is difficult to start the new year without the one who is so dear in your family. May our Lord bring you supernatural comfort and strength as you continue your journey and who Mr Calhoun was is carried on inside of each one of you due to his influence in who YOU are.

Love and prayers, Beth Dolezal

Dennis and Lana Marthiljohni
Universal City, TX
Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Judith, I was so sorry to hear about Rick's passing. Ricky Moffitt called me late on Christmas Eve and told me about it. Rick was such a great guy and friend and he will be missed. I understand he had not been doing well for a while. I had asked about him couple of years ago when we had a Palacios coaching reunion here in San Antonio for all the Coaches that had worked for Pat Walker. Sorry we will not be able to attend the Celebration of Life service on Thursday but know that Rick is in our prayers as well as you and all your family. Sorry I have not kept up with ya'll but God Bless you and your family and again our sympathies.

Laddie and Debbie Matusek
Edna, TX
Tuesday, December 28, 2021

So sorry to hear of his passing and sending prayers for the family!

Gerry & James Spencer
Boerne, TX
Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Sending our love and prayers to your family! Knowing that Rick is in Jesus' arms must be a huge comfort! Blessings to you all! Love you…

Linda Atkinson
Sweeny, TX
Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers and with you and family. So sorry for your lose, sending our love.

Emily Garcia
Palacios, TX
Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Judith, I send my condolences and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. May God embrace you with his love, strength and peace.

Paula Krouse
Spring, TX
Monday, December 27, 2021

May the wonderful memories of Rickie ease your heartache. He will be missed.

Jenny Krouse
Spring, TX
Monday, December 27, 2021

I remember that he took over my Chatty Cathy doll one Christmas and showcased his comedic timing! Rest In Peace, cousin. Hugs to Judith, the boys and their families.