Those in the economic and education scenes in Burnet will remember a late businessman for his kindness as much as his ambition.
“We lost a wonderful man and true community partner…Richard Hausman. He and Rachel are owners of our Chicken Express restaurant,” according to a May 20 social media message from Llano Chamber of Commerce. “They always graciously gave water, cups, tea and their love and support to so many of our Llano events.
“May God surround Rachel and family with his Legion of Angels, to comfort them as they celebrate Richard’s amazing life, In Jesus Name, Amen.”
On May 16, at approximately 3:56 p.m., Hausman died in a three-vehicle crash on RM 1431 Kingsland at the Scenic Overlook ( Lookout Mountain).
“The preliminary investigation indicates a Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound on RM 1431 when, for unknown reasons, it crossed into the westbound lanes of traffic,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Billy Ray, III, in a statement. “The Ford F-150 first struck an Infiniti G25 then struck a Volvo driven by … Hausman.”
Hausman was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 62.
Just the day prior, Friday, May 15, he had participated in a groundbreaking ceremony at Kingsland Commons, a 50-acre planned development project, along RM 1431 just a few miles west of the crash site.
Developer Gregg Miller and Burnet County Pct. 1 Commissioner Jim Luther, Jr. attended, applauding Hausman’s work to become the inaugural tenant committed to the project.
“This groundbreaking been a long time coming and we are delighted to finally show the public what they have been hearing about,” Miller told attendees. “We look forward to cleaning the vacant lot and implementing the roads within the development. Once done, the community will see the true beauty of this development.”
Representatives from Kingsland Commons, LandMasters Real Estate and the Kingsland Chamber co-hosted the event.
Miller added, “There couldn’t be a better company with its owners (the Hausmans) living in Kingsland and being very involved in the communities where their restaurants are located.”
Hausman, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was born in Houston and was raised in Texas communities, including Garland and Mineral Wells, before eventually settling in the Hill Country.
Hausman’s family resides at the Legends subdivision, located between Kingsland and
Burnet.
“Kingsland is like being on vacation all year long, and we are excited to join this venture,” Hausman told groundbreaking attendees, adding that the Kingsland Chicken Express should be open by November.
An avid guitar player, Hausman was known for sharing his talent in a number of settings, including Weakday Ministries events and activities.
Weekday Ministries shared a statement mourning the loss to their church family.
“As our community continues to process the loss of Richard Hausman, all of us at Weakday Ministries want to take a moment to honor the incredible man he was and the profound impact he left on our hearts,” officials shared in a statement. “Richard was a cornerstone of kindness, possessed a genuinely huge heart, and had a special passion for supporting and uplifting kids.
“Whether through a warm smile, a helping hand, or his unwavering dedication to the next generation, he made our mission brighter just by being a part of it,” the statement continued. “We are endlessly grateful for his generosity, his spirit, and the beautiful legacy of love he leaves behind.
“While he is deeply missed, the ripples of his kindness will be felt in our ministry for a very long time.”
While residing in the local community, he served as a Young Life Committee member who was pivotal in bringing a chapter to Burnet. Also, he coached Burnet youth baseball; served as an Adopt-a-School sponsor; and co-organized the all-star basketball games to raise scholarship funds for high school seniors.
He shared his musical skills at Burnet’s Christmas on the Square and the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival as well.
“The Burnet Chamber family is heartbroken over the sudden loss of Richard Hausman.
Richard and Rachael have been long time supporters of countless events and organizations through generous and quiet acts of service,” a statement read. “Their impact on Burnet reaches far beyond business, they are woven into the fabric of our community. Richard helped make Burnet stronger.
“We are deeply grateful for the legacy Richard leaves behind and the many ways he showed up, with a smile and a kind word,” the chamber’s statement continued. “Burnet has suffered a great loss and will not be the same without him.”
A funeral service for Hausman is scheduled for Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 108 S. Vandeveer, in Burnet.
Teri Schexnayder contributed to this report.
