Richard Jandt

RIVERSIDE - Richard Lawrence Jandt, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and community leader, passed away onJanuary 23, 2026.

He was born on September 13, 1941, in El Centro,California, to Richard C. Jandt and Opal R. Jandt.  In 1951, his family moved to Riverside, California.  Richard was the oldest of three children and is survived by his sister Jere and brother Alan.

On May 19, 1960, he married Shirley Ann Moss of Riverside, who preceded him in death in December 1988. Together they had two sons, Donald and Edward.

In 1960, Richard enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, and later in Berlin, Germany, during a historic period following the construction of the Berlin Wall.

Following his military service, Richard began a long and respected career with the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA). From 1973 until his retirement in 2001, he managed offices in Indio and La Quinta, becoming a trusted leader in the desert communities.

Richard believed strongly in education and lifelong learning. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from College of the Desert and later a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands.

After retiring from AAA, Richard continued serving others as a Professional Fiduciary beginning in 2001, helping elderly clients manage their affairs with care and integrity. He found great fulfillment in assisting those who needed guidance and support.

Richard was deeply involved in community service throughout the Coachella Valley. His contributions included serving as Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Indio District, Board Member and President of the Indio Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chairman of the Highway 86 Improvement Association,

Board Member and President of the Rotary Club of Indio, member of the Rotary Club of La Quinta, Board Member of United Way of the Desert, Board Member of the American Red Cross in Palm Desert, Vice President of Desert Beautiful, and volunteer with the La Quinta Police Department.

He also volunteered for 20 years with the Bob Hope Classic golf tournament (now The American Express) and later enjoyed ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the holiday season.

Richard is survived by his wife, Terry B. Henderson-Jandt of La Quinta; his son Edward, daughter in law Shelley, his six grandchildren — Briana, Allegra, Katurah, Keenan and Rachel,  and his four great-grandchildren- Ava Rose, Scarlet Mikaela, Seraphina Grace, and Alea Violet. Richard is also survived by his daughter in law Teresa, married to his son Donald and his granddaughter Bella.  Son Donald and granddaughter Jordan Elizabeth preceded Richard in death.  

In the later years of his life, Richard devoted himself to caring for his be loved wife Terry as she faced the challenges of advanced dementia. When it became necessary for her to move into a care home, it was a heartbreaking decision for him. His devotion never wavered, and Richard visited Terry every day, often spending the entire day by her side to ensure she felt comfort, companionship, and love.

Richard was also a faithful churchgoer and regularly attended La Quinta Christian Fellowship, where he found comfort in his faith and community.

Richard will be remembered for his dedication to family, his commitment to community service, and the kindness he showed to everyone whose life he touched.

Service Information

Celebration of Life — Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM

La Quinta Christian Fellowship

50800 Calle Paloma

La Quinta, California 92253

Interment — Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Riverside National Cemetery

22495 Van Buren Blvd.

Riverside, California

Contact

For questions, please contact Ed at 760-333-6850