Joseph "Ricky" Artigue

Opelousas- Funeral Services will be held for Joseph “Ricky” Artigue on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel in Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. Deacon Jerome Collins will officiate the services.

Visitation will be held in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana, on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 PM. On Saturday, visitation will continue from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. A Rosary service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning in the funeral home led by Deacon Jerome Collins.

Joseph “Ricky” Artigue, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home in Opelousas, at the age of 66. He was born on November 2, 1957, in Opelousas, Louisiana, and leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Ricky led a fulfilling life as a machinist.  His passion for the outdoors was evident in his pursuits as an avid deer hunter and a valued member of the Section 20 Hunting Club. Additionally, he found joy in doing some deer taxidermy work, riding four wheelers, and fishing in his leisure time. 

Ricky's dedication to sports extended beyond his personal interests as he selflessly coached baseball and soccer teams for over 25 years, positively impacting the lives of many young athletes. He also served as an umpire for baseball games for several years, contributing to the local sports community. 

One of Ricky's proudest accomplishments was earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, a testament to his leadership skills and commitment to excellence. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  Ricky will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In this time of loss, Ricky will be deeply missed by his loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Wanda Wheaton Artigue of Opelousas; three sons, Anthony “Kirk” Artigue and Katrina; Benjamin Joseph Artigue, and Christopher “Chris” Artigue and Covi; three grandchildren, Lucas, Beckham, and Saelon; one brother, Robert Lee Artigue and Billie; two sisters, Barbara Fontenot and Jacqueline Bordelon; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Lee Artigue and Vivian Emonet Artigue; brother, David Scott Artigue; two brothers-in-law, Rene Fontenot and Gene Bordelon; and one niece, Kristie Artigue. 

The family would like to extend special thanks to the entire staff of Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care for their wonderful medical care, especially Christine Taylor Johnson who was his niece.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care or to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, 3983 Interstate 49 South Service Road, Opelousas, LA 70570, or the charity of your choice in memory of Ricky.

Ricky's legacy will live on through the memories shared by those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA, 70570 (337)942-2638 has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.