Patrick "Pat" Risinger's Obituary
Patrick Crawford Risinger, born August 19, 1945, in San Antonio, Texas, to Richard “Pat” Risinger and Gladys Spears Risinger, passed away on June 30, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Pat spent his early childhood in Austin, Texas, where his family settled along Shoal Creek when he was just two years old. Those formative years — fishing off the Shoal Creek dam and swimming in the clear creek waters — shaped a love of the outdoors that would stay with him for life. At ten, the family returned to San Antonio, where Pat attended Robert E. Lee Middle School and High School.
After graduating, Pat answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. From 1967 to 1969, he served as Military Police at the Nike Hercules missile base outside of Fairbanks, Alaska — a remote and demanding post during the Vietnam War era. His service reflected a deep and abiding love for his country that never left him.
Back in San Antonio, Pat became an active member of his community. He was a proud Mason in the Charles Anderson Lodge and a dedicated member of the Alzafar Shrine. He found peace and joy in the Texas Hill Country, where he spent his free time hunting and fishing — whether along the banks of the Guadalupe River or in the brushlands of South Texas. Come football season, you could count on finding Pat cheering on his beloved Texas Longhorns.
Pat had a lifelong passion for German history, and for his 70th birthday, he made his first — and only — trip abroad, traveling to Germany with his daughter. It was a journey of a lifetime: touring historical sites, taking in the countryside, and savoring what he declared the finest schnitzel he had ever had.
Above all, Pat was a family man. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He was the grandfather who showed up at elementary school with a Chick-fil-A lunch, who picked the kids up for ice cream just because, who sat in the bleachers cheering them on at every game, and who made everything feel more settled just by being present. Pat was a kind and gentle soul — calming, supportive, and deeply loving. Despite the health ailments of his later years, he never complained. He faced each day with a positive spirit and gratitude for the life he had built, the family he cherished, and the country he served.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Gladys Risinger, and his brother, Robert Risinger.
He is survived by his daughters, Valorie Lerner (and husband Douglas Lerner) of Houston, Texas, and Victoria Risinger of Hockley, Texas; their mother, Sandra Wheeler of Huffman, Texas; his grandchildren, Tess Waggoner, Ryan Waggoner, Reese Waggoner, Cole Timberlake, Rylee Timberlake, and Lillee Timberlake; and his sisters, Betty Dunbar, Mil Avery, and Dee Risinger.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., July 8, 2026, at Covenant Chapel, 4949 Caroline Street in Houston, Texas. All are welcome to join the family for a reception immediately following the funeral. Pat will then be laid to rest at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Park The Woodlands cemetery in The Woodlands, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriner's Children's.
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