Melvin 'Mel' L. Richmond

Melvin "Mel" Lewis Richmond born on June 16, 1939 in Pennsylvania and passed away on October 1, 2026 at the age of 87. Mel grew up in rural Pennsylvania on a dairy farm just outside of Philadelphia. He went to college at Michigan State University where he earned a degree in chemistry. Mel then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he worked as a meteorologist. After serving in the Air Force, he went to work for NASA in the Apollo Recovery Division and then in the Space Shuttle Crew Training Division. He retired after 33 years of dedicated service.
After his time in the Air Force, he moved to Houston with his wife, Tracy Harvey. They had two children, Ty and Taryn. They were married for over 40 years. Several years after Tracy’s passing, he married Carolyn Filley, with whom he remained until her passing in 2023.
Mel loved fishing, golf and sports. He especially loved coaching his kids sports teams where he was known for being a no-nonsense coach. He also loved following his favorite sports teams; the Houston Astros, the Houston Rockets, the University of Houston Cougars, and the Dallas Cowboys.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Audra Waltman; his first wife, Tracy Richmond and his second wife, Carolyn Filley. Mel is survived by his son Ty Richmond and his wife, Dorinda; daughter, Taryn Chastain and her husband, Jack; as well as his two granddaughters, Hayley Richmond and Maddi Richmond.
A celebration of Mel's life will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Carnes Funeral Home, located at 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas, 77591. The visitation will begin at 2:00pm CDT, with a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30pm CDT. Melvin's spirit lives on in his children and those whose lives he touched.
We invite you to share your memories and photographs of Mel on his memorial page. May they serve as a testament to his life, a life marked by love, strength, and an unwavering dedication to his family and his profession.