Melvin Lee Richard

Melvin Lee Richard, 78, of Lake Charles died at 3:27 PM on Saturday, August 6, 2011 in his residence surrounded by his family.

Mr. Richard was born on September 3, 1932 in Church Point, LA and lived in Lake Charles for over 40 years. He was a retired truck driver for Southern Pacific Railroad. Mr. Richard attended Friendship Baptist Church.

He enjoyed many activities including fishing, dancing, and bowling. He especially had a passion for traveling in their RV and was a member of the Crusin Cajuns.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ethel Richard of Lake Charles; a step son, John Wayne Simmons of Ragley; eight nieces and nephews, Cassandra Shore and her husband Francis of Baton Rouge, Cecil Miller and his wife Vickie of Broussard, LA, Celine Miller Guillory and her husband Clyde of Opelousas, LA, Marcella Miller of Baton Rouge, Peggy Guidry and her husband Randy of Church Point, LA, Chris Bourgeois and her husband Todd, Rachelle Lavergne, and Angie Lavergne all of Lafayette; and ten great nieces and nephews, Jacob Higginbotham, Chris Miller, Garrett, Dustin, Hannah, and Caleb Guidry, Blaise Bourgeois, Savannah Johnson, Elliot Bourgeois, and Madison Lavergne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and Isaac Richard and two sisters, Ethel Richard Miller and Loretta Richard Lavergne.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 8, 2011 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Dale Nazworth will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Monday at 8:00 AM until time of services.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Heart of Hospice, the staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, and to Dr. Michael Broussard for the extraordinary care given to Mr. Richard.