Richard Phillip Lopez Jr., 66, of Keithville, LA, passed away on March 21, 2026, surrounded by family, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 22, 1959, in Hanford, California.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Betty J Swain; his father, Richard Phillip Lopez Sr.; and his stepmother, Mary A. Lopez.
He is survived by his loving soulmate, Brandy Fenton; his children, Kayleen Johnson (husband, LeSean Johnson), Richard Lopez III (wife, Natalie Lopez), Dillon Lopez (wife, Ashley Lopez), and Amanda Bailey; and his cherished grandchildren, Silas Johnson, Noelle and Aiden Lopez, and Aubrey and Ava Lopez.
He is also survived by his stepfather, Don Caraway; his siblings: Pam Lopez Huffman (husband, Kenny Huffman), Penny Grantadams (husband, C.J. Grantadams), Lynn Martinez (husband, Jason Martinez), Leann Kemp (husband, Gene Kemp), Heath Swain, Lynette Gonzalez (husband, Mike Gonzalez), and Greg Lopez (wife, Andrea Briano Lopez); along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard dedicated much of his life to public service. He began his career with the Shreveport Police Department in 1985 and retired as a Sergeant in 2012. Even after retirement, he continued serving his community through part-time roles with LSU Police and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.
He was highly accomplished in K-9 work, holding PDI certification and earning multiple awards in the USPCA Region 10 K-9 Trials from 1993 to 1997, including qualifying for Nationals in 1996. His achievements include Top Patrol Dog (1995), multiple first-place awards in Article Search, Bite Work Without Gunfire, Box Search, and Obedience, as well as additional placements in Agility and Criminal Apprehension.
Outside of his career, Richard found great joy in the things he loved most. He was a founding member of the Louisiana XV Chapter of the Blue Knights LE/MC International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. He served as the Chapter’s Director since its founding in 2011, where he built lasting friendships and traveled across the country on his Harley-Davidson attending conventions. He loved camping and canoeing with his family, playing basketball at the YMCA, and attending holiday gatherings with loved ones. He also took great pride in caring for his animals, including dogs, cats, goats, and chickens. One of his favorite routines was spending time outdoors working on his land with Brandy, as well as going to the movies together every weekend.
Pallbearers will be Richard Lopez III, Dillon Lopez, Lance Lopez, Cruz Lopez, Taylor Coutee, and Heath Swain. Honorary pallbearers include Justin Basco and the Blue Knights LA XV.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Special thanks to Taylor Coutee, Kenny Huffman, C.J. Grantadams, Justin Basco, Lance Lopez, and Cruz Lopez for building a ramp at Richard’s home after his surgery as a surprise.
The family also extends heartfelt gratitude to the Blue Knights for providing Richard with community and adventure; to the Shreveport Police Department for their continued presence and steadfastness; to Dr. Scott Boniol and the team at Christus Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center for honoring his wishes and guiding his care with compassion, prioritizing his comfort and quality of life; to RN Haley and RN Amy at Bristol Hospice; to Pam and Penny for always showing up, offering encouragement, and serving as a vital communication link for the family; and especially to Brandy for her unwavering love and support through every stage of his journey. The family also thanks the many friends and family members who visited, called, and messaged Richard and surrounded him with kindness and care.
