Arless Richey Glass was born to Robert Newton (Bob) and Almira Eleanor Richey (Allie) Glass on Saturday, August 17, 1929. He was delivered a month early by cesarean due to the health of his mother. Thinking the baby would not survive, Arless was placed out of the way in a dresser drawer while the medical staff at Frazier Clinic worked feverishly to save Allie's life. The staff was shocked when the newborn baby survived. In fact, Arless was the only child of 11 born in a hospital, and the only one without a birth certificate. His death was so expected, no one officially recorded his birth. Without a doubt, God had a plan for this special baby from the very beginning. Arless was born at the start of the Great Depression, and though there was a lack of material things, there was abundant love in the Glass family.

When Arless was about three years old, he saw a man riding a horse behind his house. He pointed to the rider and said to his sister, "Cowboy, cowboy! He's not a cowboy anymore, I am!" From that day forward, Arless was called "Cowboy". Although he rode a horse only a few times throughout his life, Arless was a true cowboy at heart from his hat down to his shiny boots.

Along with his siblings, Arless began working at a young age to help support his large family. In 1950, he volunteered for the United States Air Force, and he served his country proudly in Okinawa during the Korean War. In addition to his job as a Welfare Supervisor in the Chaplaincy, Arless was a disciple-maker. He used every opportunity to preach, teach, baptize, and further the Kingdom of God. He was truly in his element. He baptized 95 people in the China Sea, and only eternity will tell the total number of souls he reached because of his heart for the things of God.

In 1953, Arless was discharged as a Staff Sergeant and returned to his home in Louisiana. He married Geraldine (Geri) Gill, and they evangelized throughout the United States and Canada before assuming the pastorate of the United Pentecostal Church in LaMarque, TX in 1956. Their two daughters Cathy and Letha were born during this time. In August of 1962, they moved to Pasadena to assume the pastorate of the local United Pentecostal Church. A few years later in 1966, their son Rich was born. Time passed, their children grew up, and Arless and Geri were blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Life was full and sweet for Arless and Geri until the wind was knocked out of their sails with the discovery of Geri's breast cancer. She fought hard, and after enduring surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she was cancer free. Nine years later, the cancer came back with a vengeance, this time in her spine. Geri passed from this life on February 22, 1995. Arless and Geri were married for 42 years, and it seemed her death took the joy of living from her beloved husband.

But God's plan for Arless Richey Glass was not finished. About a year after Geri passed, Arless was invited to dinner with several longtime friends. Being the fifth wheel, there was an empty chair beside him. In walked JoAnn Cannon. Arless and JoAnn had been set up. As it turned out, it was a "God Thing". Before long, they bought a marriage license even though no wedding date had been set. When all their children gathered for Christmas in Pasadena on December 21, 1996, they convinced Arless and JoAnn it was the perfect day for a wedding. So, with JoAnn wearing a simple dress and Arless wearing blue jeans and shiny boots, they stood before Rich and the rest of their children and said their vows to each other.

Life was sweet, and Arless and JoAnn had several years of loving one another. Much too soon, their time together ended when JoAnn died suddenly of cardiac arrest in 2002. Once again, Arless had to conquer grief as he continued to Pastor. Life was not easy in an empty home with a lonely heart.

In 2004, he began seeing Joan Carouthers. It wasn't long until the cowboy was once again tying the knot. Joy was restored, and Arless found a beautiful thing in sweet Joan. Together, they loved one another and served the Kingdom of God for the next 19 years. Joan was faithful in life and in death.

Arless loved freely, unconditionally, and without reserve. He was blessed with the ability to touch the hearts of all he met. He was known for his sincere, bear-like hugs and the pocket full of candy he would pass out to all the kids on Sundays. His impact has been felt by untold thousands around the world, and his Christ-like love is unmatched. He is a giant of the faith and has the humble heart of one who lived to lead others to Christ.

Over the years, Arless devoted his life and ministry to the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) and the city of Pasadena where he pastored for over 60 years. He was one of the founding fathers of Texas Bible College (TBC) and helped to establish Urshan Graduate School of Theology (UGST). He was a beloved teacher at TBC, both a Texas District and South Texas District board member, and a member of the General Board of the UPCI, serving as the Superintendent of Education and Chairman of the Board of Education. He was a Chaplain for the Pasadena Police Department, an Endorsing Agent for the Military Chaplaincy of UPCI, and founder of the UPCI Chaplaincy program. He traveled many times overseas to minister. He preached at conferences, camp meetings, and seminars throughout the world. The exemplary ministry of Arless Glass reaches far and wide. His influence can be seen throughout the world. Many great men and women stand on the foundations he worked to establish; his legacy will live on.

Over his 93 years on this earth, Arless experienced great heartache as he buried two wives, his daughter Letha in 2016, his parents, all 10 of his siblings and their spouses, nieces, nephews, and too many long-time friends to count. Through it all, he remained faithful and steadfast. He finished the race and received his reward. Heaven will never be the same.

Rest easy, Cowboy. Your watch is over, and with the Lord's help, we'll take it from here.

Until we meet again….

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 4th, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, the funeral service will be held Friday, May 5th at 10:00am, both held at The Church Triumphant; 1030 Strawberry Rd, Pasadena, TX 77506. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in DeRidder, Louisiana.