Richard Ernest La Rue

Richard Ernest La Rue, 86, of Visalia, California, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026. A cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Richard lived a life defined by hard work, a love for adventure, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, hence his lifelong love of the Minnesota Vikings, to Eddie and Delores (Miller) La Rue, Richard was the youngest of three children. In 1941, the family moved to Los Angeles before eventually settling in Fresno, where Richard graduated from Fresno High School.

Richard proudly served six years in the Air National Guard. During his service, he excelled as an amateur boxer and developed the mechanical skills that would define his early career. Following his military service, he worked for Westland’s Water District through the late 1970s.

On Halloween in 1966, Richard was persuaded to attend a party that would change his life forever. It was there he met Donna Prespare. The two were married just a few months later and spent 52 years building a beautiful life together in Fresno, where they raised three children. This is when Richard found his love for boating, camping, and playing cards. There was a lot of water skiing and fishing going on. He detested cleaning the fish, so Donna jumped in, cleaning and serving up a great fish fry. They belonged to the Good Sam Camping club and traveled the state once a month to camp and play cards with great friends.

Richard was a man of many interests. He was a reserve officer for the Fresno Police Department, spending seven years on the vice squad. His children fondly remember him guarding the donation bowls at the Jerry Lewis telethons during the holiday. Later, as the Fleet Manager for Pepsi Cola in Fresno, he developed a legendary love for soda. At that time, as an employee, you could buy a case of irregular filled Pepsi bottles for $1. Needless to say, in the summer heat of Fresno, the family went through a lot of Pepsi. Richard and Donna loved to entertain, and their home and backyard pool became the ultimate destination for family and friends.

In 1982, the family moved to Salinas where Richard worked for Bruce Church as a mechanic. He began a long, distinguished career in corrections in 1984, starting as a small engine instructor and rising to the position of Vice Principal before his retirement in 2005.

In 1990, Richard transferred to Pleasant Valley State Prison, they moved to Hanford and bought three acres with a walnut orchard. This provided a place for the best Easter egg hunts by far. Papa, as he was lovingly called, would stuff close to 100 plastic eggs with candy and money for the littles, and candy, money, and scratchers for the adults, fun was had by all. Occasionally there were a few eggs leftover and their German Shepherd Tasha would feast on candy and walnuts for months.

Together, Richard and Donna traveled the world, exploring Egypt, Russia, China, Turkey, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Mexico, and many other countries. After Donna’s passing in 2019, Richard moved to Visalia to be closer to his son. He spent his final years in a vibrant retirement community where he played cards daily and, true to his nature, never met a stranger.

Richard was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Donna, his parents, his siblings, Beverly Romans and Jerry La Rue, and his grandson, Richard La Rue.

He is survived by his children: Danette (Dusty) Keeler, Charlene (Joe) Gumke, and Richard (Veronica) La Rue; his sister-in-law, Mary La Rue; and a legacy of 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Quail Park for the loving care and friendship they provided Richard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Episcopal Church of the Saviour 519 Douty St, Hanford, CA. The family invites all who knew him to attend and share their favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.