Patrick Richard

Patrick Louis Richard, of Little Rock, Arkansas, (Class of '59) died suddenly, at UAMS Medical Center, in Little Rock, AR on Feb. 7th, 2018

Pat was born, on a rice farm, in Scott, LA. His parents moved to Greenville, in the early 1950s to initiate rice farming to the area, near the Mississippi River.

He is predeceased by his parents, Odile "Dee" (Hebert) and Wilton J Richard, and, by his sister, Connie (Richard) Low. (Class of '67)

Patrick is survived by his former wife, and, friend, Carolyn (Sherman) LaBella, ('59), and, their children: Patricia Kuhl, Wilton Richard, Lisa Wilhite, who all attended St. Joe, and, now live in Texas. He is also survived by his wife, of nearly 30 years, Nancy, her daughter, Jennifer, of the home, in Little Rock, and, his step children, Hank Mahler, M.D., and Gretchen Nogler, who live in Georgia, and, Washington State, respectively.

Pat is also survived by his old friend, and, Brother-in-law Joe Low, ('68) of Belzoni, MS, niece, Karen McCrery, and nephew, Brantly Low, both of Fort Worth, TX.

Margaret (Maggio) and Benny Dykes, (both '59), of Jackson, MS, with whom he had many post-graduate adventures, are left to share memories of Pat, with fellow alumnae.

After graduation from St. Joseph Catholic School, Patrick attended Delta State University, where he experienced severe prejudice, due to his Cajun heritage, and, accent. (How times have changed!) He left college, lost his accent, married, and started a family on a ranch near Greenville, where he raised cattle, and, grew rice and soybeans, with his extended family, who still live in the Greenville area. Pat moved west, to Texas, and, later, Arkansas, where, he continued to farm rice, along the Red River.

In his youth, Pat was an active Barrel Racer, Competitive Square Dancer, Pilot, Small Ship Handler, Outdoor Photographer, Marksman, Hunter, Fisherman, Frog Gigger, Crabber, and, of course, he was an accomplished Cajun Cook. He could make a mean Gumbo, Crawfish Boil (Spicy!!), Fish Fry, or, Mulligan, as required by the occasion. A man of many talents, developed over the years, Patrick was also an avid reader, who especially enjoyed exploring the history of the Civil War, Le Grande Derangement, and, the American South, often finding obscure, original accounts, in used book stores, and, estate sales.

One evening in the late 1990's, Pat was the victim of a mugging, at a restaurant parking lot, severely injured, and, was forced to retire. He settled down, in Little Rock, AR, where he was able to enjoy some dancing, gardening, hunting, fishing, woodworking, writing, reading, and, cooking, as his pain levels permitted. He liked making specialty Easter Eggs, with a "tie dye" technique, and, hardened Sugar Eggs, hollowed out, with scenes set, inside, which he donated to fund-raisers, and, silent auctions.

The joint "St. Joe" / Greenville High, Class Reunions, were a delight, in his later years. They facilitated the blessing of lifelong friendships, each of which Pat treasured. Patrick was a gentle soul, who will be missed, by all who had the good fortune to know him. Lezze les bons temps rouler !

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