Roy Curtis Richard, a loving father, devoted grandfather, hardworking man, and friend to many, passed away at his daughter’s home in Lafayette, Louisiana, on June 24, 2026, at the age of 85 surrounded by family. Born in the small community of Bellevue, Louisiana, on April 5, 1941, Roy’s life was one marked by resilience, devotion to family, and a steadfast connection to the values with which he was raised.

A Rosary Service and Funeral Service for Roy will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana. The Very Reverend Monsignor Keith DeRouen will officiate the service. Rite of Committal and Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park.

The pallbearers will be Elijah Trosclair, Kenneth “Kenny” Baker, Brian Bellard, Kerry Bellard, John “Coach” DeBarge and Jacob Auzenne. Honorary pallbearers will be Troy Richard and Gabriel “Gabe” Auzenne.

Visitation will be held at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Roy enjoyed boxing during his time in high school. He spent a significant portion of his career as a clerk at Kroger’s, where his appealing work ethic and warm demeanor became familiar to regular customers and colleagues alike. He also contributed his talents to Standard Fittings in Opelousas, continuing his pattern of commitment and reliability in all pursuits. He enjoyed gardening, he nurtured his beloved vegetable garden and tended to his yard. He often could be seen driving his John Deere tractor, cutting his grass and savoring the simple joys that came with every pass across the lawn.

A true dog lover, Roy raised dogs with the same commitment and affection he brought to every endeavor. He was a great cook; he was known for preparing memorable rice and steak gravies. Roy also took immense pleasure in reading, constantly expanding his knowledge and delighting in the world of books.

But above all else, it was Roy’s role as a single father that defined much of his legacy. With strength and unwavering love, he raised his three children through the challenging years of the 1970s and 1980s, demonstrating every day the kind of guidance, sacrifice, and compassion that shaped their lives. He continued to pour his love into his family, cherishing every moment spent with both his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always placing family bonds at the heart of his daily life.

Roy is survived by his beloved children: his son, Troy D. Richard and wife, Sharon Espinosa of Los Lunas, New Mexico; his daughter, Tammy M. Auzenne and her husband, Leonce, of Leonville, Louisiana; and his daughter, Laura "Laurie" Debarge and her husband, John, of Lafayette, Louisiana. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Lindsay Auzenne, Jacob Auzenne, and Kenneth "Lil Kenny" Baker; his great-grandchildren, Bryson Gunther, Carter Thibodeaux, Giana "Gia" Auzenne, and Gabriel Auzenne; his godchild and niece, Melissa Richard, and his great-niece, Alyssa Beth Morgan.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Richard and Hazel Bellard Richard, his brother, Carl Richard, his uncle, Pierre Richard, and the mother of his children, Elsie Marie Kidder.

Roy’s life was characterized by hard work, generosity, and loyalty to the people he loved. His memory will endure—rooted in the fruitful gardens he cultivated, the meals savored around family tables, the laughter of loved ones, and the quiet moments of reading and reflection he so enjoyed.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 (337-942- 2638) has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.