Richard Dan Kleinjan, September 09, 1941 — February 08, 2019

Richard Kleinjan passed away at his home in San Antonio on February 8, 2019. He was born on September 9, 1941 in Hasting, Nebraska. His survivors include 2 sons, David Kleinjan (& wife Beverley) and Mark Kleinjan, grandchildren Jeffrey Kleinjan, Emily Kleinjan, and Tina Gotthardt and great grandson, David.

Survivor siblings are Evalin (Connie Mae) Doucet, Monica Lowery (John Pearce), Delphine Briseno (Ed), Michael Kleinjan, and Teresa Loutzenheiser (B ill) & sisters-in-law, Sandy Kleinjan and Deena Kleinjan. Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Betty Kleinjan along with his parents Evaline Millette and Clarence Kleinjan, siblings Nancy Pauley, Fred Kleinjan, Tim Kleinjan, Mary Tarkenton, Robert Kleinjan and infant grandson, Joshua Kleinjan. Richard was born and raised in Hasting, Nebraska.

The family was blessed with 11 children, with him being number 4 of the 11. Richard joined the U.S. Air Force in June 1962 where he began his life long career as a photographer. While being stationed at Lackland AFB, he met and married his wife, Betty Copeland Kleinjan.

After leaving the Air Force in 1964 Richard found employment with Southwest Research Institute where he worked for over 20 years, retiring as Manager of the Photographic Services. Throughout those years, Richard worked tirelessly doing freelance photography on weekends for family and friends. As his circle of friends and clients grew, it wasn’t long before he was taking pictures of generations of family weddings and events.

While still working at Southwest Research, Richard’s quest for knowledge in the 80’s led him to enroll in St. Mary’s University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology. After Richard retired he worked several years as a substitute teacher for North Side ISD where he enjoyed teaching and helping young children. When his wife’s health began to decline, he selflessly provided her with exceptional love and caring until her passing in 2014.

During his lifetime, Richard was involved in many organizations and civic minded groups and clubs such as Fraternal Order of Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts, Ex-toastmaster, lector –St Vincent De Paul & Lackland Neighborhood Association and many more. Richard found happiness the last few years by meeting family and friends for lunch, leisurely reading, feeding his backyard birds & squirrels, and being surrounded by his favorite, spoiled housecats. He was a kind, caring man with a giving heart that will be missed by many.

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