RICHARD SIMON KAROTKIN

Fort Worth, Texas – Richard Simon Karotkin passed away peacefully Thursday morning, March 29.  He was 84.

A Service at the Grave will be held at 10 am Sunday, April 2, in the Agudas Achim Section of Austin Memorial Cemetery in Austin.

Born in Austin, Richard was the son of Leonard and Louise Minett Karotkin.  He graduated from Austin High School before receiving a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin. While a student at UT he was elected Student President of the business school.  Following college, he served as a Captain in the U. S. Army.

Richard married Lonnie Smith in 1960.   Together, they shared three wonderful children, Brian, Leslie, and Michael.  During this time in Austin, Richard worked for Economy Furniture.  Always a devoted father, he coached and never missed the children's sporting events.   In 1983, Richard relocated to New Orleans where he joined Westwood Industries and Expressions Custom Furniture.   While there, he successfully expanded the company from an initial two company stores to sixty-three franchises throughout the country.

Richard married Alden Kentor in 1984, and they soon relocated to Fort Worth.   In June 1985, they opened Expressions Custom Furniture on Camp Bowie.   Through the business they developed life-long friendships, especially Cynthia, Lisa, and David.

A life-long Longhorn fan, he attended most home and away Southwest Conference football games.  With the move to Fort Worth his love of sports expanded and he enthusiastically cheered TCU Purple as a season ticket holder for football, basketball, and baseball. 

Richard served on the State Board of United Way and was President of National Home Furnishings Counsel. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leonard Karotkin Jr.

In addition to his wife, Alden, Richard is survived by his daughter, Leslie; sons, Michael and his wife, Laura, Brian, and Bradley Kentor and his wife, Lauren.   He is also survived by four grandchildren, Wesley and his wife, Allison, Jennifer, Chloe, and Bailey; one great-grandchild, Hudson and his brother, Ralph Karotkin and his wife, Laurey.

Memorials:  In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to remember Richard in a special manner, the family suggests contributions to Jewish Family Services of Tarrant County, 4049 Kingsridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76109, the James L West Center for Dementia Care, 1111 Summit Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76102, or to a charity of choice.