Dr. Richard W. Calhoun

Dr. Richard Wilson Calhoun, 79, lovingly known as "Doc," was born January 28, 1935 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Dr. Samuel Calhoun and Jeanie Wilson Calhoun. After graduating from Bolton High School, Dick attended Tulane University in New Orleans and Tulane University Medical School. Doc finished his Fellowship at Oschner Hospital, earning a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Calhoun, along with his friend Dr. Patrick Unkel, moved to Lake Charles in 1962 and established the Children's Clinic of Southwest Louisiana, where Dr. Calhoun served as president until his retirement in the year 2000. Dr. Calhoun was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church upon moving to Lake Charles, but moved to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church when his children became enrolled in school, where he served on the board in various positions. He was a current member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, taking an active part in establishing the new church built in 2003. Dick loved spending time with family, as well as fishing and hunting. However, his passion and hobby was his love for plants and trees. Before and after his retirement, Doc became "God's gardener." His love of fruit trees, flowers, and bushes, ranging from camellias to roses, invaded his yard. The bursts of color from his yard created a haven for his beloved hummingbirds, which appeared every year. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Jeanie Calhoun; two brothers, Robert Calhoun and Samuel Calhoun, Jr.; and his beloved grandson, Zac Yoder. Dr. Calhoun is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Patsy Boudreau Calhoun; one son, Richard Calhoun, Jr. and wife Cindy of Conroe, Texas; four daughters, Jennifer Calhoun Schippel and husband Donnie of Columbus, Mississippi, Pam Calhoun Alston and husband Darrell of Lake Charles, Karen Calhoun Yoder and husband Phil of Lake Charles, and Nancy Calhoun Faulkner and husband David of Birmingham, Alabama. Doc also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Kelly, Patricia, Kaitlyn and Trey Calhoun, Charles Schippel, Kyle and Rick Alston, Holly Yoder Harris and husband Stephen, and David, Wilson and Elizabeth Faulkner. Pallbearers will be Doc's grandchildren, truly his greatest pride. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Calhoun, James Boyer, Dr. Lehrue Stevens, Dr. Bruce Thompson, Dr. Pat Unkel, Bill Pharr, Charles Ware and Albert Williams. The family would like to thank the many doctors who gave Doc devoted care for so many years, Southern Home Health for many years, and Christus Hospice, who walked with Doc his last months. Special thanks also to his many caregivers who took care of him with love, respect, dignity, and patience. Memorial donations may be made to St. Martin de Porres Building Fund, P. O. Box 4386, Lake Charles, LA 70606, the Strawberry Reunion Scholarship Fund of Tulane, P. O. Box 61075, New Orleans, LA 70161, or the charity of one's choice. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 3, 2014, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Monsignor Harry Greig will officiate. Monsignor Jace Eskind, Monsignor James Gaddy and Rev. Kenneth Bienvenu will concelebrate. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 until 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Doc fought a good fight, but he is finally at peace. He will be greatly missed.