Russell Richard

Port Barre - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Russell Joseph Richard at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Port Barre, La.  Reverend Clint Trahan will celebrate the Mass.  Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Russell Joseph Richard, age 85, announces his passing on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, La.

Russell proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He graduated from USL in Education and then in 1975 he received his Masters of Art.  He began his teaching career in 1959, in New Orleans on the Westbank in the town of Bridge City.  He taught and coached in eight schools across Louisiana, including Port Barre High, Opelousas Catholic, Amy Bradford Ware, Opelousas Jr. High, Forest Hill, Morrow Elementary and Hanson Memorial Academy in Franklin.  He received several awards during his teaching career.  He proudly accepted the 1999-2000 District 9-1A Coach of the Year, Teche Area Coach of the Year and St. Mary Parish Coach of the year awards.

He also enjoyed being outdoors, bass fishing, golfing and spending time helping his son, Rusty, with racehorse business.  He also loved spending time with his family and friends.  Russell will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by wife of 55 years, Mary Jane Devillier Richard of Port Barre, La.; his son, Rusty Richard and wife, Liz, of Port Barre, La.; his daughter, Pam Stanford and husband, Tommy, of Leonville, La.; his brother, Newton Richard of Bridge City, La. and his sister, Mercedes Paternostro of Ponchatoula, La.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Maisie Richard, Matthew Richard, Quinton Stanford (Sarah), Erika Stanford Blumrich (Nicholas), Ava Stanford, Maggie Stanford, Elijah Stanford and four great-grandchildren, Isaac Stanford Blumrich, Nathan Blumrich, Genevive Stanford (expected in April) and "Peanut" Blumrich (expected in April).

He was preceded in death by parents, Loyce Richard and Hermance Pitre Richard; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray Richard and wife, Lois; Sylvan Richard and wife, Jane and Hubert Richard and his brothers-in-law, Howard Devillier, Harrison Devillier, Russell Paternostro; his sister-in-law, Carol Richard and his granddaughter, Alexis Helena Stanford.

The family will receive visitors between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021 in the Skip Montet Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas.  A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. by Deacon Mitch Hebert.  The funeral home will reopen on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Stanford, Quinton Stanford, Elijah Stanford, Rusty Richard, Spense Devillier and Nick Blumrich.  Honorary pallbearer will be Newton Richard.

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, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.