Rick Phipps

Richman “Rick” Phipps III—known lovingly as Rick, Ricky, or Rick Shaw—left this world on November 20, 2025, at the age of 79 from Peterson Hospital in Kerrville, Texas.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Klaus Schroeder for his exceptional care, friendship, and dedication; to Dr. Young; and to the compassionate Peterson staff in the ER, ICU, and Hospice Unit who consistently went above and beyond.

Born on February 7, 1946, in Mexico City, Rick moved with his mother to Laredo in 1950. Brilliant and driven from a young age, he graduated from Martin High School at just 16. At 21, he became a proud United States citizen—just before being drafted into the Army. With his new citizenship in hand, he chose to serve in the United States Air Force. He later earned an associate’s degree in California, majoring in music with a minor in mathematics.

Rick moved to the Kerrville area in 1982 and spent 43 years serving the community he loved—living in Ingram, Medina, Kerrville, and touching countless lives along the way.

During those four decades, Rick built a rich and varied career in radio and television at KERV/KRVL, KHLC, The Ranch, The Rose, and Encore Radio, which he owned. He served his community through board positions, including KSTAR, and was known for his tireless work ethic. Until his illness just three weeks prior to his passing, Rick worked three jobs: installing response buttons for seniors at the Dietert Center, running Encore Radio, and playing drums on weekends. Caring for others was in his nature.

A gifted musician, Rick played drums with the Kerrville Jazz Group, Harry and the Hightones, Exit 505, Misty Dawn, The Viscounts and served faithfully on the praise team at Hosanna Lutheran Church. He loved his backyard pond and fish, feeding the birds, tending to his landscaping, and traveling every chance he got.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Richman Phipps II and Lee Eldridge Phipps, and his brother Richard Germaine.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Stella Herrera Phipps; his children Michael Phipps (Brooke) of Longview, Melissa Cooley (Clint) of Boerne, and Matthew Phipps (Sara) of Lakehills; step-daughter Laura Roman (Victor) of Abilene; and step-son Luis Sanchez of San Antonio. He leaves behind nine grandchildren—Amber Rogers, Zachry Phipps, RJ Robertson, Kathryne Robertson, Colton Cooley, Ashtin Phipps, Ash Wood, Cole Wood, Yuri Wood, Alexander Roman, and  Luciana Roman, the youngest—and three great-grandchildren, Ben, Sammy, and Simon Rogers.

Services will be held at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Kerrville on Saturday, December 6, at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow at 4:00 PM at the Dietert Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dietert Center, benefiting the elderly clients Rick so deeply loved and served.

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