Richard Dean Trueblood

Richard Dean Trueblood, born August 4, 1941, died peacefully with his wife, Carol Linda Trueblood, by his side, on August 21, 2019, in Haskell Texas, following a long battle with dementia.

In his 78 years, Richard lived life to the fullest:  surfing, skiing, playing bass guitar in a rock band that toured the Midwest, performing as a clown in many Doo Dah parades in Pasadena California, watching every circus he could find, and riding his Harley down winding roads… These were only a few of his passions. Richard proudly served his country in the Navy from 1960-1964. After moving to Texas, Rich was honored to serve on the school board in Rochester. A gifted artist, Richard's animation career spanned 30 years. He influenced and shaped the childhood of millions as an animator, animation director and producer for such esteemed cartoon studios as Hanna Barbara, Walt Disney, Filmation, Marvel, and more. His cartoon accolades include such titles as The Smurfs , Underdog , The Chipmunks , He-Man , She-Ra , Biker Mice from Mars , Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , Ducktales , and Goof Troop , to name but a few.

Richard is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol Linda Trueblood, sister Mary Ban of Missoula, Montana, daughter Diana Snow and her husband Franklin Snow of Portland, Oregon, stepdaughter Melissa Velasco and her Husband Derek Velasco of Sandia Park, NM, and grandchildren Amanda Snow, Madeline Cordero, Lillian Cordero, and Ethan Velasco.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Church of Christ, Haskell with Mr. Phillip Sims officiating. Services are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Haskell.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff of Haskell Health Care center for their loving care during Richard's final months.

In lieu of flowers, Richard's wish was to have donations made to the Rochester Volunteer Fire Department in Rochester Texas, to thank them for their tireless efforts in finding him when he was lost in 2014.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.