Staff Report
Richard Downing Sadler
Richard Sadler, 83, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 18, 2025 in San Marcos, Texas. He was born to Dr. Kenneth E. Sadler and Rosemary (Chamberlain) Sadler in Fort Robinson, Nebraska on May 7, 1942. Richard and his three siblings were raised in Wagner, South Dakota. He spent three years in the United States Navy on the aircraft carriers USS Pine Island and Lexington in the Pacific Ocean. After his time in the Navy, Richard returned home and married his high school sweetheart JoAnn Koupal on April 20, 1964.
Richard and JoAnn moved to Yankton, South Dakota where Richard started his career as a union mason/bricklayer. Richard’s father shared stories about his time in Texas and how much he loved the Lonestar state. As the South Dakota winters limited the work calendar for a mason, in 1969 Richard packed up his wife and three little boys and moved south to Austin.
He was a union mason in Austin for 5 years. During that time, the family was completed with the birth of their daughter. With a large young family to provide for, Richard started Sadler Masonry that was in business for 37 years. The family settled in Buda and became an active member of the community.
Richard was an avid reader, enjoyed spending time with family at the ranch in Rocksprings, and deep-sea fishing, He was a fourth-degree knight in the Knights of Columbus at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. Richard also helped in the construction of the present-day Santa Cruz Catholic Church.
Richard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jo Ann Marie Sadler, his brother Joe Sadler (Edie), his four children, Jeff, David, Mark (Pam), and Kim (Jon Triplet); eight grandchildren Jake (Catherine), Kelsea(Amrit), Emiri (Cole), Jordan, Wes, John (Kendall), Blake (Abby), and Paige; four great-grandchildren Slate, Stone, Rev, Patterson, and 2 babies are due this fall.
Richard was proceeded in death by his parents, Dr. Kenneth E. Sadler and Rosemary (Chamberlain) Sadler, sister Karen (Sadler) Wunder, and brother Jay Sadler.
The family would like to thank Richard’s medical team, Homewell staff, Father Juan Diaz, Father Jesse Martinez, Ray Garza, and the prayers and support of many.
There will be a memorial mass held at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda at 10:00 on September 8, 2025. Immediately preceding the funeral, there will be a private burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Santa Cruz Catholic Church Building Fund, VFW – Buda, Texas, or Knights of Columbus 9038 Buda.
