Ricky, born September 18, 1963, was the fourth child born of Robert and Dorothy Texada, who were faith-filled, devoted parents of eight children. He grew up on the bayou in Alexandria, Louisiana, where he was baptized at the age of six. As a child, he loved to talk to God and was viewed as a strong prayer warrior, leading others in devotion and prayer. In elementary school, he worked with the United Education Missionary Association as a prayer leader.

Ricky was born with a natural gift of leadership. This gift would pave the way for great impact throughout his life. He served as Sophomore Class President, the President of the Student Council, and was voted by his teammates as a football team captain at Alexandria Senior High School. There, he was also voted Mr. Alexandria Senior High, by his friends, administrators, and peers. During this time, he also participated as a Beau in the Mr. Beautillion Ball where he was awarded the title of Mr. Achiever. Ricky loved sports and was a fierce competitor acquiring many accolades and trophies in football and track. He was selected as Who’s Who Among American High School Students which recognizes students across the nation who have excelled in academics, extracurricular activities, and community service. His leadership and impact were also felt at Southern University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and served in the Student Government Association as Sophomore Class President.

Although Ricky grew up in church and was an avid participant in church activities, his real-life transformation came his freshman year in college when he received Christ and was filled with the Holy Spirit. He began sharing the word of God and leading Bible studies on campus. Ricky always had a desire to seek and know God and was bold about inviting others to join him in this passionate pursuit.

It was also in college that Ricky met his first wife, Debra. After dating three and a half years, they married and relocated to the Dallas area after graduation. During this time, they began attending Covenant Church where his call to ministry would be confirmed. In 1989, he started out as a volunteer Youth Director, passionately pouring into the lives of the next generation. Then, they were asked to join the staff as directors of Small Groups Ministry. Shortly after taking this position, they were in a tragic car accident and Debra transitioned into eternity. Though Ricky was heartbroken, he was steadfast in his commitment to God and his service to the church.

In 1997, he was ordained by Pastors Mike and Kathy Hayes, the founding pastors of Covenant Church. Ricky was introduced to Cyd Patton, an anointed worship leader and accomplished Systems Design engineer on the F16 Fighter jet. They dated six months before they were married. As the couple continued to serve the church, Ricky and Cyd started their family giving birth to two sons, Seth and Caleb. They were elevated to Campus Pastors in Colleyville, Texas, where under Ricky’s leadership the campus grew, and the presence of God impacted the city. As a citizen and spiritual leader in Colleyville, Ricky graduated from the Colleyville Citizens Police Academy and Leadership Colleyville program. He also served as a member of the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce and the Colleyville Ministerial Alliance.

As Ricky’s influence, encouragement and faith far exceeded the four walls of the church, in 2014, he wrote his book, My Breaking Point, God’s Turning Point. This inspiring book chronicles his journey through the tragic loss of his first wife and God’s amazing ability to restore hope, in the midst of sorrow and brokenness. Because of his love for sports and belief it provided a great opportunity to positively impact the lives of athletes, young and old, Ricky had his two sons, who proved to be exceptional athletes, follow in his footsteps throughout the years, in participating in football and track. All along the way, he encouraged and motivated many young men and their fathers. While his boys played football at Grapevine High School, Ricky became a consistent speaker and mentor for the Mustang football program, inspiring young men, with principles they could apply both on the field and off. He was also a great support for their coaches and fathers.

Ricky unexpectedly passed away in August of 2021 due to complications from COVID. At the time of his death, Ricky and Cyd were Senior Pastors of Covenant Church, with oversight of 4 campuses around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where Ricky’s genuine and dynamic leadership reignited and energized the congregation’s faith, passion for prayer, and love for God. Ricky will always be remembered for his fiery, humorous, uncompromising messages laced with compassion and grace; as a man who knew no strangers and was generous with his unconditional love, encouragement, and support; a man who always paid attention to the details of life and the growth of others. He was a lover of his family, God’s word, and all people.

Because of His incredible legacy of service not only in the church but in the community, and his love for the Grapevine football program, his wife, Cyd, started this foundation in his honor and memory.