He was born on August 11, 1941 in Bell City, LA to Jack and Mamie Richard. After graduating from Ragley High school, he went to LSU to pursue a law degree but instead moved home to run the farm with his father. He married Joyce Alston on January 19, 1963. He was a farmer for most of his adult life.
Howard had a heart of gold, and would give you the shirt off of his back. His love for the Lord was evident in his servant’s heart during his sacrificial caring of his mother, father, and brother, Elmer, before their journey to our Heavenly Father. He faithfully attended mass at St. Theodore Catholic church as long as he was able, but he never stopped praying even in his harder days. During the harder days, he lived apart from his first love and his family, but through time the Lord healed all and the bond was strengthened. He looked forward to watching his grandchildren’s ball games and recitals, and supporting his Louisiana sports teams. His favorite times were the holidays and afternoons spent with his entire family together. He loved to dance, and in his final days he made many people laugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mamie Richard, his sister, Mary Nell Newman, and his brothers, Edward Richard and Elmer Richard. Those remaining to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Joyce Alston Richard of Sulphur, his children Devin Richard (Kim), of Dequincy, LA, Nerissa Anthony of Moss Bluff, LA, Shanna Eggleston (Vaughn), of Moss Bluff, LA, Stacy Perry (John), of Sulphur, LA, and Courtnie Erbelding (Chris), of Sulphur, LA. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
The passing of Howard Richard, though difficult for his family, provided many layers of healing and a strengthening of faith. We believe what it says in Philippians 3:20-21, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” We rejoice in knowing that his absence from us means he is in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The family would like to thank Christina Domingue and all of the support staff with Heart of Hospice for their tremendous care in his final days.
Visitation will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff Monday January 15, 2018 from 4-8pm and will resume Tuesday at 9am until the time of service with a rosary Monday at 6:30pm. Funeral services will be held at 11am at St. Theodores Catholic Church with burial to follow at Alston Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhome.com
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