Richard "Rick" James Linebrink

Richard “Rick” James Linebrink, 76, of Mathis, Texas, passed from his earthly life in the early morning at Spohn South Shoreline, Corpus Christi, on January 24, 2024.

Rick was born in Ogden, Utah, on March 4, 1947, to Clarence and LaNeda Linebrink. He was an outstanding athlete who excelled in football, wrestling, tennis, and golf. He was able to use these athletic gifts as he served as a survival instructor in the Air Force. He met his wife, Joyce, in his scuba diving class in 1970 in Okinawa, Japan. It was love at first sight and they were married six months later at Silver Bells Chapel in Reno, Nevada.

After a seven-year stint in the Air Force, Rick attended Florida Atlantic University and received his Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Upon graduating, he began teaching and coaching in Carrizo Springs, Texas. Although he coached football and girls' basketball, his favorite sport to coach was tennis. While he was working in Carrizo Springs, he received his Master's degree in Education Administration from Sul Ross University. While working in Calallen, he and his fellow teammates created a program called Wacky Days and he started a jump rope team. He was not only a teacher and a coach, but he was also an astute businessman who owned his own trucking business.

One of his greatest loves was being outdoors. He enjoyed many summers with his family camping, fishing, boating, and water skiing. To add to this, he was a Scout Master who shared his love of nature with his troop. Another great love of his was golf. He worked at the John C. Beasley Municipal Golf course. This was a great way to earn a little extra money during retirement, but the best part was the ability to use the golf course for free.

Working with his hands was his favorite pastime. He was an artisan who could complete projects as detail oriented as building dollhouses to projects as large as rebuilding a 1968 Triumph Spitfire.

Above all, Rick had an abiding faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. He grew up in the Mormon church, but later in life, was confirmed into the Lutheran church. He spent many hours volunteering at the church: repairing numerous items, doing yard work, and was instrumental in building the Memorial playground at Faith Lutheran Church, never expecting anything in return for his good deeds.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Linebrink; uncle, Jay Stoddard; daughter, Patricia Linebrink; and various uncles and cousins from Utah.

In addition to his loving wife, Joyce, Rick is survived by his mother, LaNeda Amidon; sons, Sean (Keleigh) Linebrink and Jason Linebrink; daughter, Shelley; brothers, Danny Linebrink and Alan (Pam) Linebrink; and sister, Cheryl (Jesse) Sanchez. He is also survived by his grandsons, Dorian Linebrink, Holden Linebrink, Matthew Compton and Mitchel Compton; and his granddaughter, Charlize Linebrink; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Our Savior Lutheran Church at 1900 Highway 72 East, Three Rivers, Texas, 78071.

There will be an interment ceremony for his remains at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 9974 1-37, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410.

Please join us for lunch in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. All are welcome.

Arrangements are under the personal care of Galloway & Sons Funeral Home of Beeville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1900 Highway 72 East, Three Rivers, Texas, 78071 and/or St. Philips Episcopal Church Missions Fund, 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034.