Charles Joseph Richard departed his life peacefully in his home on May 18, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born to the late Walter Richard Sr. and Mattie Coleman Richard on January 6, 1958, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Charles and his wife of forty-six years, Loretta (Gradney) Richard, were lifelong residents of Lake Charles.  Their union blessed them with six daughters and three bonus daughters, whom he loved dearly.

Charles attended Marion High School where he performed in the band playing the trombone. He also played on the basketball team. He was also a feather weight boxer. It was at Marion High School that Charles met his lifelong partner, Loretta. After a few short years on March 29, 1975, Charles and Loretta became one in holy matrimony. From this union many great things transpired.

Charles began working with Rivers Fence Company alongside his father at the early age of nine years old. He worked there for 14 years before he went on to work for Hercules Fence Company. After a short stay with Hercules, he found his forever job. In January of 1984 Charles began working for the City of Lake Charles. He held many different titles while working for the city. He worked his way up to supervisor of the parks and recreation department. Many of the fences standing at the Lake Charles area parks is a product of Charles' gifted hands. In 2006 after being employed with the city for 21 years he retired after suffering a major back injury. But as everyone knows that injury didn't stop him! Shortly after retiring Charles and Loretta adopted their 3 great-nieces growing from 6 daughters to 9. He became self-employed doing things ranging from building fence, welding, and mechanic work. You name it our daddy could do it! He was the man!

Outside of providing for his family Charles had many different hobbies. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, building barbeque pits, fishing/shrimping, and cooking.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Loretta Richard of Lake Charles, La.; nine daughters, Shalanda Richard - Scott (Herman) of Lake Charles, Shonda Richard of Lake Charles, La. Crystal (Robin) Carter of San Antonio, Tx., Quatina (Terrell) Alfred of Reeves, La., Shendrika (Chris) Richard of Iowa, La., Charlissia (Chris) Richard of Lake Charles, La., Shanna Richard and Shalise Richard of San Antonio, Tx. and Shatina (Nick) Richard of Lake Charles, La.; fourteen grandchildren; Deshon'a (Denzel) Carter, Diondre' (Dejeona) Prince, Reanna Carter, Lavonte Alfred, DeMarion Prince, Tavian Alfred, Jaden Joseph, Queston Alfred, Elijah Carter, Jordan Alfred, Benson Alfred, Crystin Carter, Jaleigh Fuselier, Cohen Richard, and Carsen Carter; One great-grand child Dez'rah Bean; two brothers: Walter Richard Jr. and Lloyd (Dwana) Richard; six sisters: Catherine Ann Victorian, Sabra (Louis) Bell, Adrian (Bobby) Rubin, Tina Richard (Steven) Jubert, Michelle (Michael) Freeman, and Tracy Joseph; Mother-in-law Rosa Mae Gradney; Two sisters-in-laws: Joann (Jimmy) Jones and Rose Gradney; Four brothers-in-laws: Wilfred (Denise) Gradney, Jimmy (Lilly) Gradney, Kevin (Erica) Gradney , and Alfred (Carrie) Gradney; two special friends: Roger George and Trel Vallier and a host of nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mattie Richard Sr.; one sister, Dianna LeDay, one brother, George Richard, Aunt Fannie Rochon, son-in-law, Patrick Prince, Father-in-law, Alfred Joseph Gradney; brother-in-laws, Jessie (June) Victorian and Abe Leday; neice, Quin'neshia Geter; great nephew, Javian Duhon and granddaughter, Chloe Carter and multiple grandbabies that were born angels.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., and funeral service at 3:00 p.m., at King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com