John was born Sept. 12, 1930, to Armand and Dora Meche Richard, he was the youngest son, and grew up during the late depression. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in the marshes of Grand Chenier, La.
He graduated from Grand Chenier High School 1947, enlisted in the U.S. Marines where he met his wife Kittie Glass. He was a veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam; he saw many duty stations and made lifetime friends.
John retired from the U.S. Marines after 20 years of service. Upon retirement he moved his family to Cameron Parish and opened John’s Bar and Café until his second retirement. When Kittie opened Miss Kittie’s Longbranch in Lake Charles, he again came out of retirement to help her.
He belonged to the Marine Corp League, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Division, VFW and the American Legion Post 1, also serving on the Cameron Parish Draft board.
Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Kittie; his parents; and one grandson, Damian Michael Abshire; sisters, Esaure (Ovey) Hernandez, Alida (Freddy) Sonnier, Amanda (Savy) Duhon, Theolia (Pierre) R. Hernandez, Bernice R. Broussard (Gabriel Billy C) and Geneva R. (Jack) Powers; two brothers, Elmo Richard (Theresa Leger) and Oscar Richard (Agnes Trahan)
He is survived by three daughters, Lynn LaBove, Diane (Clay) Benton and Kathy (Ronnie) Abshire; son, Armand Richard; special friend, Steven Arabie; honorary son, Billy Delany, wife Denise Rutherford; niece, Cynthia T. Fontenot; nephew, Wayne Toothman; many nieces and nephews; God daughter, Kathy Barajas; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Family to greet friends Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral led by Pastor Mel Yorks will begin at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Prien Memorial Park.
Family would like to thank caregivers, Jody and Bridgett McDaniel, Twanna and Alexis White.
In lieu of flowers family invites you to make a donation in his honor to Toys for Tots or your favorite charity.