Richard "Rick" Dale Browder

Richard Dale "Rick" Browder, 76, passed away on October 30, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas.

Rick earned an associate degree in social services from Amarillo Junior College in 1970. He went on to West Texas A&M University in Canyon, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English and history in 1973 and a master's in special education in 1978. While there he served as president of the local chapter of Kappa Delta Pi.

His career began in 1973 as a music teacher's aide at the Amarillo State Center, where he played guitar and sang to students. That small start grew into 32 years of service to Texans with developmental disabilities. He worked as a special education teacher, program coordinator, and director at the Amarillo State Center, then at the Fort Worth and San Angelo State Schools. He returned to Amarillo as Executive Director of the Amarillo State Center, and he finished his career as Superintendent of the Brenham State School, where he led more than 1,000 employees caring for over 400 residents. In 2000 the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation named him CEO of the Year. He also served as president of the Texas Association on Mental Deficiency and on the board of Harrington Regional Medical Center in Amarillo. He retired in 2005.

Rick loved playing his guitar and spent many happy days fly fishing in his prime.

He was preceded in death by his father Joe; his mother Mary; and brother John. He is survived by his son Zach; his brother Steve; his sisters Kellie and JoAnn; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Services are pending at a later date. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.