Ronnie Anthony Cothron

Ronnie Cothron passed away peacefully at home July 14th, where he spent the last four years living with his daughter Rhonda Cook and grandson Gunnar Henry Cook. Surrounded by family, friends, and the comfort of his own space, Ronnie’s final days reflected the way he lived his life—independently, with strength, grace, and a quiet sense of humor.

Born to Warren and Annette Cothron, Ronnie grew up alongside his brother, Warren Cothron, and graduated from Morgan City High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Midway CVA-41, where he earned his trade as an electrician—laying the foundation for a successful and adventurous career. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was installing an SCR drive aboard the Sea Shadow, the Navy’s top-secret stealth ship, which later gained fame in the James Bond film series.

Ronnie was an intelligent, self-made man and world traveler who read encyclopedias from A to Z to broaden his knowledge. A brilliant businessman, he never boasted about his success but quietly lived a life of accomplishment and adventure.

He is survived by his children, Rhonda Cook, Kurt Lake, and Wade Vandenford; two daughters-in-law, Yvette Lake and Cathy Vandenford; his grandchildren, Ronnie A. Lake, Gunnar Henry Cook, Joshua Jones, Austin Vandenford, and Gianna Vandenford and great grandchild, Ronnie Lake Jr. He was also survived by his brother, Warren Cothron; his first wife, Barbara Cothron and a host of extended family and friends.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and in 2020 his beloved second wife, Clidetta Cothron.

Ronnie had many passions: hunting, fishing, fast cars, football, and classic westerns. From the woods of South Louisiana and Texas to the wilds of Africa, he pursued big game with the same drive he brought to everything in life—whether it was hunting lions and elephants or catching bass in the Oilmen’s Bass Fishing Tournament, where he competed from 2001 to 2015 with frequent success.

A loyal Saints fan (and Texans fan, when necessary), Ronnie enjoyed spirited football debates—especially ribbing his son Kurt about the Dallas Cowboys, a Sunday tradition. He had a deep love for muscle cars, always warning passengers, “Hold on tight! I like to go fast!” Often mistaken for Clint Eastwood, he carried himself with that same quiet toughness—and attitude.

Ronnie cherished simple pleasures: morning coffee with the news, a Crown and Coke to end the day, western movies, the History Channel, and Jeopardy. He even came to enjoy watching Family Feud with Rhonda, though he’d never admit it at first. He was a man of few words, often answering any text with a simple “OK,” no matter the question.

A private and generous soul, Ronnie never complained. Even in difficult times, when asked how he was, the answer was always: “I’m OK.”

His fur baby, Dejablue, was his loyal companion and treated with a tenderness few ever saw but all admired.

Ronnie lived life on his own terms. One of his favorite songs, “Born Free” by Kid Rock, enjoyed on many rides to the hunting lease with son Kurt, became a reflection of the life he lived—fearless, independent, and full of heart.

With all our love, rest easy, Dad. You were one of a kind, and your legacy will forever live on in the lives you touched.

A time of memorial visitation and remembrance will be observed for Ronnie on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 10am until dismissal for graveside services at 12noon at Hargrave Funeral Home. A military graveside service will be held in honor of Ronnie on Friday, July 25th at 12:30pm in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery.