Church Point, LA:     Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point, LA for Joseph W. "Joe" Richard, 100. Mr. Richard, a native and resident of St. Landry Parish near Sunset, LA, died Wednesday afternoon, September 27 at his residence. Father Mitchell Guidry will conduct the services with interment following in Calvary Cemetery on Teurlings Drive in Lafayette, LA with an escort to the cemetery by the Legion Riders. The family requested that visiting hours be observed at Guidry Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Friday, September 29 and continue from 8:00 AM Saturday until the time of services. A recitation of the Rosary will be held there at 7:00 PM Friday by Deacon Doug Wimberley.

Mr. Richard was a native of Sunset, LA. St Landry Parish; one of twelve children born to Jean Pierre Richard and the former Ada Venable. He attended T.H. Harris Vocational School completing a course in Welding. In 1941 at age 17 he enlisted at the 8th HQ Naval District, New Orleans, LA.  Mr. Richard was assigned to USS Rigel stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii December 7, 1941.  Mr. Richard was a Veteran of WWII and Korean War having served 11 ½ years in the U.S. Navy as a Shipfitter 1st Class. In the aftermath of the destruction at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, his primary function consisted of search and rescue, including sailors trapped on the ships Oklahoma and Arizona.  While his military service was mainly spent in the Pacific Theater, he participated in the Guadalcanal campaign, encirclement of Rabaul, and the liberation of the Philippines, ending his Naval service in 1954 with an Honorable Discharge.

When he returned home after the war, he worked at Industrial plants in Baton Rouge, LA. Always wanting to be his own "BOSS", he opened a service station on Airline Highway. Some years later, when the interstate was being constructed, it took part of the location and forced him to close.  Mr. Richard then returned to Sunset where he opened his welding shop fabricating decorative iron, ornamental works, farm equipment and BBQ pits until his retirement age of 90. He was active in his community, spoke fluent Cajun French and was a frequent guest on KSLO radio program. He enjoyed traveling, attending VFW, American Legion and Woodmen of the World meetings. Joe was also a member of Men's Supper Club and loved listening to KBON and his talking books. He was an active member in American Legion Post 225, V.F.W. Post 9903, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Woodmen Life Chapter 444, and St Landry Parish Honor Guard.

In his retirement years, Mr. Richard reigned as 2011 Church Point Festival Buggy King. In 2013 he received the "Ambassador for Peace" medal from the Minister of Veterans Affairs for the Republic of Korea.  In 2017 he served as the Grand Marshall in Church Point Veterans Day Parade.  Mr. Richard traveled to Washington, DC on the 2015 and 2018 Veterans Honor Flights. In December 2021 he attended the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor at the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA. In 2022 as a WWII Veteran he traveled to Jackson, MS. Representing "Pearl Harbor Survivors" at the "Trail of Honor."

Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Langlinais (spouse Dale) of Youngsville and Connie Figueron (spouse Malcolm "Mac") of Sunset; three grandchildren Jason Langlinais of Sunset, Randall Figueron of Lafayette, and Amanda Figueron of Sunset; nine great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren; sister Eldine Burleigh of Carencro, LA and sister-in-law Betty Richard of Franklinton, LA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Clause Richard; his parents, Jean Pierre Richard and Ada Venable Richard; brothers James Roy Richard, John Richard, Stephen Richard, and Jesse Richard; sisters, Mary Comeaux, Bertha Comeaux, Elvina Blackwell, Mabel Rose, Lilly Richard, Louella Lucas and great-grandchild Hudson Drew Falcon Figueron.

The family gives Special Thanks to Traditions Health nurses and staff, Veterans Administration Alexandria-Lafayette Clinic, Dr. Ernest Kinchen (retired), Dr. Cora Tompkins, all staff at Jennings Home Base Care, and Nurse Florence, Leading Home Care Staff and caregivers Janet, Raven and Brittney, Dr. Randy Daigle, nurses and staff. Special appreciation to the St. Landry Parish Honor Guard and Church Point Honor Guard.

Pallbearers include Jason Langlinais, Randall Figueron, Jacob Duplechin, Ethan Daigle, Aaron Noel, and Mike Rose. Honorary Pallbearers include Dale Langlinais, Malcolm (Mac) Figueron, Amanda Figueron, Elliot Daigle, Kadin Figueron, Nicholas Figueron, Josey Langlinais, Marisa Noel, Baileigh Falcon, Laiken Meche, James Rose, Frank Rose and Bill Rose.

In celebration of his life for those attending the service, please wear red, white, or blue. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to a charity of your choice in his memory or: CJ Jones Foundation / Talking Book Library 1131 N River Road / Port Allen, LA 70767.

"ANCHORS AWAY SAILOR and WELCOME HOME"

Arrangements are being handled by Guidry Funeral Home, Inc.; 219 N. Broadway, Church Point, LA (337) 684-5488.