LTC Roger Lawrence LaCourse

Roger was devoted to his wife of 64 years, Jewell Parrish LaCourse, until her passing in January of 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Eva Manning LaCourse; sisters Rita Corbett and Theresa Fitzgerald; brothers Ernest (Pete) and Raymond; his niece Lauren Corbett; nephews Jimmy and Danny LaCourse; and his mother-in-law Laurie Wesson Parrish.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristi LaCourse Lynch; granddaughters Peyton Christine Lynch and Kendall Greyson Lynch; son-in-law Frank Lynch; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

Roger lived a life of humble service both professionally and personally. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after entering the military before finishing high school. He flew helicopters in Vietnam, while serving in the military for 22 years. He went on to receive his master’s degree in counseling from the College of William and Mary and then worked in the Richmond Public Schools system for 25 years, spending most of that time as a high school principal.  

Although he grew up in western Massachusetts, Roger settled in Richmond after meeting his beloved wife Jewell there while on recruiting duty in the Army. He spent his life dedicated to her and loved her family as his own. But he never forgot his family up north, making an annual trip to stay connected and show his daughter Kristi that she had many aunts, uncles and cousins that cared about her there too.

He had a deep Catholic faith that came from his mother and sincerely cared about everyone he met. He lived his life always trying to do the right thing, with a constant focus on helping others in any way he could, especially his family who he loved dearly. Roger was the true definition of selflessness.

He was a continual source of support, strength and love for Kristi. They spent a lot of time together and shared a very special and unbreakable bond.  Roger was so proud of being a Poppie to Peyton and Kendall. He loved, guided and spoiled them and was a constant positive presence in their lives. Quagmire (his last furry family member) also loved his Poppie and would visit him as often as he could up until the very last day.

The family would like to thank those caregivers at Our Lady of Hope Health Center who loved and cared for Roger (and Kristi) over the past year. They became family to us.

Roger was such a bright and warm light in this world for so many, but he can now rest easy with Jewell and his family, while watching over us until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Legion or Circle Center Adult Day Services.

A funeral service  will be held for family and friends at Woody Funeral Home on Parham Road at 12:30 on Monday, July 13th. Visitation will be at noon. He will be interred in Westhampton Memorial Gardens immediately following. A memorial mass will be held at St. Bridget Catholic Church at a later date.