RICHARD WAYNE STOCKTON suffered a heart attack in his home in Port Isabel, TX, December 20, 2012. He was born June 30, 1948, in Springfield, MO. He graduated high school in Marshfield, MO, received his Bachelor of Science in Education (Drury College) and Master of Arts in music (Southwest Missouri State) in Springfield, MO.He was a member of the honorary music fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, the Sinfornia Music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Alpha fraternity. Richard began his teaching career in the Springfield Public Schools, directing the music program at the middle school and high school.His honors and accomplishments included recognition at the Jazz Fest in Jamaica for his Jazz band.The band played at numerous festivals and by invitation at Disneyworld in Orlando. He was also an accomplished arranger, singer, recording artist, photographer, art designer, theatre musician, world traveler. He spent the early 1980's traveling and photographing much of the cities and scenery throughout North America and beyond.Richard settled in Texas as his favorite spot --- first in Houston and then his beloved South Padre Island.His photography career bloomed and expanded there.Richard's photos were published in numerous publications throughout Texas and the U. S. After nearly 30 years of photographing people, places, and events throughout the Valley.Richard's absence will be felt far and wide. He never met a stranger and was always the life of the party.His family loved him as the husband, son, brother, uncle who entertained and loved all --and, of course, took all the family portraits. His friends laud his devotion and happy spirit, his hospitality and generosity, and, of course, his talent. A memorial service was held December 29, 2012, in his childhood home, Marshfield, MO, where he will be laid to rest. A memorial service to celebrate Richard's life and resurrection will be held at the Chapel by the Sea in South Padre Island on January 5, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.This will be a casual event.Visitation will start at 12:30 p.m. A reception will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Sea Ranch restaurant for friends to continue to share and celebrate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chapel by the Sea or to the Stockton memorial fund at Wells Fargo.You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort or sympathy cards to the family of Richard Wayne Stockton at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.