OBITUARY Richard Allen Narta April 1, 1958 – October 2, 2018 Richard Allen Narta, age 60, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away on October 2, 2018 after a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy. He was born in Western Springs, Illinois on April 1, 1958, but he spent most of his childhood in Downers Grove. Rich earned a BSChE with highest distinction from Purdue University in 1980.
In 2012, Purdue University honored him as an Outstanding Chemical Engineer. Upon graduation, Rich joined the Exxon Chemical Company. He married Susan McEachern on July 28, 1984, and started a family soon thereafter.
Rich enjoyed a highly successful and respected 36-year career with Exxon and ExxonMobil. After spending the early part of his career in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in Baytown, Houston, and Baton Rouge, Rich and his family moved to Brussels, Belgium, then on to corporate headquarters in Dallas, where he held the position of Planning Advisor for ExxonMobil Chemical Company. He returned to Houston in 2001 and held a number of executive-level positions contributing to many of the company’s ongoing strategic investments and initiatives.
Rich will be remembered for his unparalleled intellect and strategic mind, dedication to his work, quick wit, and respect and care for his fellow colleagues. He was a member of Purdue University’s Industrial Advisory Committee, and he served on the Petrochemical Committee of the National Petrochemicals and Refiners Association. Despite Rich’s meaningful achievements in his profession, he would undoubtedly tell you that his proudest accomplishment was his family.
Rich’s passions centered around activities and interests that could be enjoyed with his loved ones. Together, some of their best memories included traveling, skiing, holiday celebrations, playing cards, and Astros baseball. Rich played an active role in each of his daughter’s education and professional development, of which he could not have been more proud.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his three children Lindsey Kornegay (Adam), Dr. Allison Narta, Paige Narta; his granddaughter Emma Claire Kornegay; his mother Dorothy Narta; his parents-in-law Sue and Ray Neil McEachern; his siblings Karen Narta, Nancy Myles (Gary), Craig Narta (Susan) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard J. Narta. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Robb Chapel at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX with a reception to follow.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be designated for MSA Research Low/Singer at Mayo Clinic in memory of Richard Narta. Memorials can be made out to “Mayo Clinic” and mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or can be made online at www. mayoclinic.org/development.
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