Breckenridge Texan

Richard “Dick” Hash, 91, of Albany, Texas, passed away in Abilene, Texas, on Sunday, August 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. His funeral service will be held at the Collins Creek Ranch near Fort Griffin in Shackelford County (170 CR 185, Albany, Texas) beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023, with Joel Sanders officiating. His burial will be at the Albany Cemetery. Immediately prior to the funeral service, the family will welcome friends for a visitation from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.

Mr. Hash was born in Albany on June 10, 1932, to Charles “CK” Hash and Marjorie (Chambers) Hash. He was a big, strong, honest, and hard-working cowboy with a heart as big as Texas, who was loved and very well respected in the Albany area. And although he was a man of few words, you knew you were hearing the truth when he spoke. He was a very soft-spoken man, and about the only time you’d ever hear him raise his voice was when he was working cattle.

Richard managed the Collins Creek Ranch for 47 years until his retirement. During his time at that ranch, he and his wife, Ruth Ella Hash, raised five kids in “God’s country.”

Richard was the most caring father. So much so, in fact, that he took up coaching softball to give his bored daughters something to do in the summer. Because of this, Mr. Hash played a pivotal role in getting softball started in Albany. He expanded his heart and family to include a host of players for years and years.

There was always a big crowd at Pop and Nanny’s house. Despite being a quiet man, he always made sure to express the love he held for his family, friends, and everything about ranch life. Richard took great pleasure in showing world travelers what a real ranch looked like. His kids were introduced to families from Germany, Ireland, and even the really strange city folks from the Metroplex!

He instilled his love for softball, ranching, and his family into his own kids, grands, great-grands, and, hopefully, his great-great-grand. When it came to Pop, one thing you never had to wonder was if he loved you. You always knew that he did! Though he may not physically be here now sitting next to you, you know he’s right there patting you on the back and telling you that everything is going to be okay.

Ride high, cowboy… until we meet again.

Mr. Hash was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ella; parents, CK and Marjorie; son, Stanley Hash; sister, Joyce Kimbrough; and brother, CW Hash. He is survived by his daughters, Meleda (Mike) Blagg of Albany, Karon Martinson (Mike) of Throckmorton, Texas, and Sharon McWhirter (Ronnie) of Wingate, Texas; son, Chuck Hash (Krystal) of Breckenridge, Texas; sister, Jan Adams of Abilene; brothers, Harold Hash (Beth) of Breckenridge, and John Hash of Albany; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins; along with his special companion, Evelyn Feller.

Memorial donations in Mr. Hash’s honor can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online donations can be made at support.woundedwarriorproject.org, and check donations can be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.