Henry Loyd Riquelmy passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the age of 83.  He was born on Sept. 7, 1939, in Lake Charles, La.

He graduated from LaGrange High School and McNeese State University with an Associate degree in Science in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

In his early career as a pilot Henry worked for W.J. Gayle & Sons and Gulf Oxygen.  He continued to love flying his entire life.  For over 50 years, Henry was the founder and owner of Air Controllers of Lake Charles, a heating and air conditioning company.  Henry was well known for his dedicated service to the Lake Charles community. He was committed to his customers and was well respected and loved by them.

Henry loved flying, hunting, fishing, boating and anything on the water.  He loved pulling his daughter Rachael and her friends on the “hotdog” behind the boat and made it his mission to see how fast he could knock them off!

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed sitting on the patio with a glass of spirits, looking at the lake surrounded by family, good friends, and listening to his favorite music.  He loved to share his passion for cooking and consistently served his guests around 10 p.m. to ensure they were hungry enough to fully appreciate the meal!

Henry is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Joseph Riquelmy and Lois Vaughan Riquelmy; his twin brother, Herbert Riquelmy; brothers, David Riquelmy, Ronald Riquelmy; sisters, Patricia Doxey, and Peggy Carnehan; his grandson, William Charles Elliott; and infant daughter, Sarah Riquelmy.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laurie Creveling Riquelmy and their daughter Rachael Ann Riquelmy; his son, Bill Riquelmy and wife Pam of League City, Texas; daughter, Debbie Duncan and husband Bryan of Sugarland, Texas; grandchildren, Reagan Farmer, Rhett Riquelmy and Maggie Ducoff; great-grandchildren, Olivia Ducoff, Allie Ducoff, William Ducoff, Hayes Farmer and Grady Farmer; and sister, Lois Spivey and husband D.D. of New Roads, La.  He is also survived by his beloved golden retriever, Leo.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 1 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 715 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, La.  Visitation will be held before the service from 11 a.m. until the start of the service at the church in Hardtner Hall.

Memorial donations can be made out to The Church of the Good Shepherd, memo line “Tend My Lambs” to support our mission school in Haiti, or to the charity of your choice.

With heartfelt gratitude we thank Dr. Ron Lewis, Amanda Burnett, NP and ICU nurses Bill and Alexus for their loving and tenacious care of Henry.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.