Richard George Ondrias

Richard “Rick” George Ondrias, 63 years young, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Ernest and Edith Ondrias celebrated the birth of their 5^th son on May 29, 1958 in Wharton, Texas.  Upon graduating from Wharton High School in 1976, he spent the next 6 years working for his uncle and aunt at Sklar’s Meat Market where he developed a passion for meat processing and making sausage.  In 1982 he made a career change and went to work for Frito Lay.  He spent the next 31 years as a route salesman becoming known as “The Frito Lay Man”.  He developed special lifelong friendships at the many establishments he served in Fort Bend County.

After retiring in 2013, Rick was able to spend his time doing what he loved, enjoying the outdoors.  His favorite hobbies included hunting, fishing, spending time at the beach, making sausage and participating in bar-b-que cook-offs.  He loved all of his “sausage” customers and his cook-off team buddies.

Rick never met a stranger, and all would agree he was always willing to lend a helping hand and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need.  His greatest accomplishment in life was his family and his world revolved around them.  We will always remember him as the best dad, grandpa, brother, and uncle.

Rick is survived by his son, Christopher, daughter-in-law, Hillary, grandson, Raymond, brothers Ernie (Jan), David, Louis (Cynthia), sisters, Kay Kunkel (Johnny), Sheryl Rhodes (Joe), Edy Menefee (Todd) and numerous nephews and nieces..

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Edith Ondrias, and brother, Allen Ondrias.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Wharton Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 with the rosary at 6:00.  A private family burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s memory may be made to Houston Hospice – El Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX  77437; Coastal Conservation Association of Texas, 6919 Portwest Dr., Suite 100, Houston, TX 77024 or a charity of your choice.