Richard "Dickie" Sudduth

Richard “Dickie” Sudduth, born Sept. 19, 1937, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 13. Richard was a lifetime resident of Opelousas and an educator for many years in St. Landry Parish.  He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kelly Ann Sudduth Lalonde, his parents Andrew Richard “Butch” Sudduth of Opelousas and Aline Soileau Sudduth of Ville Platte and his younger brother, Willard Rene Sudduth, who had been a long-time resident of Houston, TX. Richard’s paternal grandparents were L. O. “Pete” and Pearl Elizabeth Sudduth of Bellevue.  His maternal grandparents were Rene and Eugenie Fontenot Soileau of Ville Platte.

Mr. Sudduth leaves behind his grandson, Cody Paul Lalonde, his granddaughter, Courtney Lane Lalonde and her daughter Chelsea Elizabeth Ledoux, his sister Genie Duhon and husband Gervis, niece Shelly Duhon Trahan and husband Darryl, nephew and Godchild, Brad Duhon, great nephew Phillip Lanclos, and wife Chelsea and daughter Zoey, great nieces Adrienne Trahan, Tori Trahan and daughters Khalea, Auria, and Bryxton; a dear and faithful friend of the family, Alice Ross; and a loving lady, Irma Chavis.

Dickie grew up on the family farm where he enjoyed country living, playing with many first cousins, riding horses, and later in life, raising cattle. He played football at Opelousas High School and graduated in 1955.  He served in the National Guard as a Sergeant. Richard earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at SLI (ULL) and his Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from LSU.   His teaching career of 39 years began in Port Allen. While there, he married and had his one and only child, Kelly Ann.  He later taught in Arnaudville but most of his years were spent at Park Vista Elementary where he taught sixth grade math.

Richard was a man of faith, a devoted son, a loving father and a doting grandfather and great grandfather.  He loved little children and got a kick out of some of the surprising and cute things they sometimes say. He enjoyed being outdoors whether it was working his cattle, mowing, or raking leaves in the fall.  To sum it up, shortly before his death he said, “I’ve had a good life.” It was comforting to his family to know he felt that way.

Richard’s family wishes to extend thanks to family, friends and neighbors who lent a helping hand, gave comfort with kind words and the offering of prayers.  Special thanks to Ms. Donica Broussard who was a kind and gentle caregiver for many months.  She held his hand and prayed for him as he took his last breaths and his family has a great appreciation for that.  Thanks, also, to Javon Polk, a young man who became a “good buddy” of an older one.  Richard enjoyed their chats so much. Also, we appreciate Mr. Wayne Aggison for his kindness and often checking in on Dickie. Thanks to those staff members of Our Lady of Prompt Succor who made Mr. Sudduth’s last weeks of life as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.  May God bless those who care for the elderly.

Pallbearers will be:  Cody Lalonde, Gervis Duhon, Brad Duhon, Darryl Trahan, Stewart Soileau and Grant Pitre. Honorary pall bearers will be Leonard “Sonny” Sudduth and Ryan Duplechein.

Visitation will be at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, from 3:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 P.M.  Visitation will continue Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, beginning at 8:00 A.M. until time of service at 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church.  Burial will be at Bellevue Memorial Park.

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.