Cpl. Matthew Thomas Richard
Cpl. Matthew Thomas Richard
Obituary
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Matthew Richard Obituary
IOTA - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church for Cpl. Matthew Thomas Richard, 21, who was killed in Afghanistan doing what he had been dreaming of since he was a small child - protecting our country.
Fr. Mikel Polson will be officiating for the services. Visitation may be observed from 2:00 p.m. Wednesday until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until service time. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.
The Richard family respectfully request that church seating be reserved for family and close friends only.
Matthew loved his family, loved his friends, and loved his country. He loved to fish, shoot ducks, and hang out with his buddies. He loved football and the physical nature of the game. He was compassionate and caring for all people and things in nature. He liked to help those in need.
Matthew's dream though has always been to be in the service. His choice was the United States Marines. He served with 2nd Battalion / 8th Marines. He wanted to serve, be part of a greater body, and lead men. Matthew fulfilled his dream as Cpl. Matthew Thomas Richard, United States Marines. Matthew died serving his country in the sands of Marjah, Afghanistan.
He is survived by his parents, Jeff and Alicia Ardoin Richard; one brother, Joshua Paul Richard of Iota, one sister, Laura Elyse Richard of Iota; brother-in-law, Bryce Thomas LeBlanc of Estherwood; his Love, Adrianna Marie Ponce of Reading, PA; maternal grandparents, James Carrol and Margaret Ardoin of Richard, LA; paternal grandparents, Thomas Jefferson and Glenda Doucet Richard; and paternal great-grandmothers, Beatrice Caswell Doucet and Lilia Suire Richard.
Cpl. Richard is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Elma Jane Courville Ardoin; paternal great-grandfathers James Leroy Doucet and Noah Joseph Richard.
In Lieu of flowers memorial donations should be sent to: Operation Homecoming, C/O Janice Fix, 8060 Sunburst Ln, Center Line, MI 48015; Rory Patrick Hamill Family Fund, c/o BB&T, 21 Main Street, Warrenton VA 20187; or Plaquemine Bank & Trust Co., Clark Cavalier Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 626, Plaquemine, La. 70765-06 The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the United States Marines. Matthew was our son but he was their brother. The Marines have treated Matthew and the family with dignity, respect, and love through this horrible tragedy. They have gone above and beyond to help us - from the morning they knocked on our front door until now. We would like to specifically thank the Marine unit stationed in Lafayette. Their patience and love for folks they never met has been unconditional. They are now part of our family and will never again walk through the front door. Thank you!
Condolences may be sent to the family by www.geesey-ferguson.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Iota.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Rode
February 8, 2024
Rest in Peace, Brother
Semper Fi!
Helmand Province March-September 2010
3 Generations
June 12, 2012
Melanie Broussard
June 10, 2012
What a special young man this world lost one year ago. I will always remember you as a hero, not only a war hero, but also an "everyday" hero. Having you as a student for two years allowed me to see many heroic qualities in you. There are many days when I look out at my class and my eyes are drawn to your old spot. I can still picture your sweet smile and bright blue eyes looking up at me. You were always eager to contribute and you had lots of interesting stories to share. You were one of those students who was so respectful and such a little gentleman that I just "had" to make it a point to tell your Mom! I still remember telling her! I saw you display "everyday hero" gestures by sticking up for kids who were being bullied. You were always looking out for others and making sure circumstances were handled in a fair manner. I remember vividly you eating the "gross cake" for Homecoming competition, THEN having it all come back up and into the trash can right next to me... LOL! I remember you giving me a thousand reasons to go to lunch early! I'll never forget the fun times you and your friends had working on the Health video. You could always put a smile on anyone's face. When I think of the ways you showed tender care and devotion to Brittany through her struggles, it brings me to tears. I admired that so much! I always thought you would make a wonderful dad someday. I could see it in the ways you handled helping her and in the ways you handled your friend's baby when you would come to visit IHS after you graduated. It saddens me to know that you weren't able to experience that. When I think of what your true "Legacy" is, I remember all of these things about you. You always talked about becoming a Marine and I could see the true courage and determination in your heart! Not only are you a hero to our entire country for your ultimate sacrifice, but you have always been an everyday hero to all who were lucky enough to know you before you even became a soldier. You will remain forever in our hearts and memories. Thanks for touching so many lives through your LEGACY!
Sandy Lyons
June 9, 2012
It is already a year since our community lost a hero. Thanks for the sacrifice that you made for our freedom. You will never be forgotten.
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Melanie Messner
June 9, 2012
Dear Matthew,
Has it really been a year? Most of the time it just feels that we are awaiting your return home. Other times reality sets in and we are just left with memories and a huge hole in our hearts. All I can be sure of is that every second of every day you are missed and thought of by everyone who knew you. I hope you knew that I was so proud of Adrianna for choosing such an amazingly brave & courageous & loving young man to share her heart with. I would have been proud to call you my “son-in-law” and one day I'm sure I will when we are all together again.
Thank you for loving my baby girl and making her happy. Rest in Peace. You will NEVER be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
June 9, 2012
To the family of Cpl. Matthew T. Richard:
Matthew gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Lisa and Skip
June 8, 2012
Matthew, I write this to you because somewhere I know your reading and watching. You touched so many lives and made them so much richer just by being you. Your parents raised a wonderful man whose smile could light up the darkest corners of the earth. Those who never knew you will never know how blessed we the ones who did feel each and everyday of our lives. You are what every man should hope to be. Semper Fi Marine, rest easy son, your brothers will take it from here. We Love You Matthew!
Lorie, Rick and Kevin Schneider
May 31, 2012
Those we love remain with us
For love itself lives on
Cherished memories never fade
Because one loved is gone
Those we love can never be
More than a thought apart
For as long as there is a memory
They will always live in our heart.
(author unknown)
God Bless you Matthew and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Forever grateful,
Rick, Lorie and Kevin Schneider
Gold Star family of Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider 2/8 Echo
Gail Caltrider
May 30, 2012
Matthew you are remembered and thought of daily...my Matthew speaks highly of you, not only as a Marine but as a man too! Your legacy lives on and goes beyond anything you could have imagined. A gift to us, at too high a price though. Missed, loved, thanked and honored.
Monica McPherson
May 29, 2012
You are a light in the world for so many of us...You are gone, but will never be forgotten. Thank you for being you, for spreading laughter, joy and protecting our freedom. You are and will always be a Hero.
Randall Norton
May 28, 2012
You are one of the greatest leaders I've ever known.
Aileen Sharp
May 28, 2012
RIP may God bless your family and friends.
Kathy Bayer
May 28, 2012
Although I did not ever meet you, I feel like I have grown to know you through your very awesome Mother. She is an amazing person, and I can see why you were such a wonderful Marine. My son served in Golf Co. with you during the 2011 Deployment and he too spoke so highly of you. We are so honored to have you as a hero watching over us now, and we continue to pray for your family as they learn to live without you on this earth. May God grant you eternal rest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxJf9ZezTZE&feature=related
Meagen Ledoux
May 28, 2012
You were a huge part in my life and you still are. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I love you and miss you so much. Thank you for being so brave.
Lisa Weber
May 28, 2012
I'm so sorry that I only knew enough about you and only met you long enough to know that I wish I'd had a chance to know you more. You are one of those rare people who fill a room just by their presence...and make others want to be where you are. Thank you for caring enough about all of us to give so much more than we have the right to ask for. Thank you for loving Daniel. He misses you so. Rest in peace beautiful hero. You will never be forgotten. I promise.
Annette Troutman
May 28, 2012
May you rest peacefully in the arms of God...
Trisha Brown
May 28, 2012
Thank you Matthew for protecting my freedom. God bless your family.
Cyndi Llorens
May 28, 2012
It's been almost a year since you left us but not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you. You were a part of my life for just a short while but you will be in my life forever because you left me with wonderful memories of the fun times our families shared.
We love you Matthew!
Kate Dillon
May 28, 2012
God Bless you and your family, thank you for your sacrifice.
Gail McCkelland
May 28, 2012
Thank you Matthew for giving your life up for our freedom!! You are my hero!!
Savannah Ruffin
May 25, 2012
Gone but never forgotten. In our hearts forever!
Kevin Hollar
May 14, 2012
I think about you everyday. You taught us all so much, I know your looking after us and keeping us safe. You will never be forgotten. Semper Fi 3/3
May 7, 2012
May 7, 2012
Matthew loved life to its fullest no matter what situation he was in.
May 7, 2012
first deployment 2009
May 7, 2012
Nanna Guillory
May 7, 2012
Matt was a great person n Solider he always helped anyone in need n never asked for anything in return... He will never be forgotten ... We love n miss him so much...
Brandy Myers
May 6, 2012
Just wanted to say thank you for what you did for the U.S.A and sorry to the family for their lost
James Henderson
May 6, 2012
Miss you so much man. You were the best man I've ever known. I'll never forget you and everything you did.
May 6, 2012
You may be gone but never forgotten a brave soul who did their duty to the fullest
marcus Wilson
February 19, 2012
RIP
Lcpl Kristopher Thayer
February 16, 2012
I look back at the final moments that were spent with you constantly just to keep the memory of you strong with me and the rest of the guys. Words can not describe how much I miss and love and thank you Matt.
CPL. Isaac Vickers USMC
February 16, 2012
I miss you Matt. I will never forget.
Julie Anzer
June 26, 2011
God Bless your son. He is very handsome and I have prayed for him, I belive he is with God and the angels and I am praying for you, his family. My son is also a marine, he just finished combat training and is at 29 palms, CA. I pray that your son watches out for my son since he is on the other side. God bles you and my prayers are with you.
Sylvia Kronenwetter
June 22, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathy
for the loss of you loved one and
Hero, Matthew and my sincerest
gratitude for his service.
God Bless you Cpl. Matthew Richard...
you will not be forgotten.
Henryk Zaleski USN-Retired
June 22, 2011
Rest in peace, you are paid in full.
June 21, 2011
Dear Richard family,
Our family grieves the loss of Matthew. He will not be forgotten. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Very Sincerely,
The K. Collins family of Colo. Sgs. CO
Robin LeCates
June 20, 2011
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss. Matthew was a true hero and I am forever grateful for his selfless, courageous service. My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 19, 2011
Ray Constantin
June 17, 2011
I didn't know him, he didn't know me. I can only thank those who lost him for the greatest sacrifice another human being can give to me. Thanks for my freedom.
Betty Sue Vincent
June 16, 2011
Please accept my sincere condolences. My family has your family in our prayers. There is no heartache deeper than from the death of a child. My only advice is to cling to your loved ones, your faith and to your beautiful memories. Your life will forever be changed, but you will find a way to go on and to honor his sacrifice. You have a wonderful son, a Hero, a Marine.
Sincerely, Betty Sue Vincent
Gold Star Mom of Pfc D. Wayne Vincent, 2/8 Fox Company
KIA in Helmand Province, Afg on 7/25/2009
Pat Brenham
June 16, 2011
The obituary is a beautiful and moving tribute to our servicemen and women. Thank you to Matthew for having the courage and generosity to serve his country and give the ultimate gift. May God hold Matthew's loved ones close in this time of grief.
Roger Moreau
June 16, 2011
The Dupuy, Neal, Garcia American Legion Post #126 of Bunkie, LA offer our condolences to your family.
Semper Fidelis
Roger D. Moreau
Commander
June 16, 2011
So sorry to hear about your loss. Earth has no sorrow heaven cannot heal. I am praying for you and your entire family. Trust God and he will carry you through.
Becky
June 16, 2011
Although I couldnt be there in person today I am thinking of the Richard family. I am honored to have had the chance to get to know such a wonderful young man. He is a true hero and will never be forgotten! We love you and miss you Matt <3 Semper Fi
June 16, 2011
Mr. and Mrs Richard and famiy
My sincere condolences in the loss of your brave son Mathew.
I appreciate the sacrifice he gave for me to have my freedom.
I will pray for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Wynn Gonsoulin
Debbie Grillot
June 16, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time or sorrow.
I too am a Marine parent. Many comforting thoughts are coming to you from Marine families around the world.
Gods peace and love to you.
Marine Mom Debbie
Jane Robetrs
June 16, 2011
Sorry for your lost of your Son, brother ... Thank you for your service to this this great country. To keep us free. Jane Roberts
Tiffany Walsh
June 16, 2011
Matt, you were the kind of person that everyone should be honored to know. you will missed. semper fi.
Lynne Neibert
June 15, 2011
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son’s sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
June 15, 2011
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Cpl. Matthew T. Richard our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Matthew. And to Matthew it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Matthew, you are a brave Marine Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,307 Legionnaire Veterans of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Matthew’s family and loved ones. Semper Fi !
Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
Kathy Walsh
June 15, 2011
Matt, you touched our lives. Left your imprint on our souls. We love now and forever.
Angela Cubbedge
June 14, 2011
Words cannot express the sorrow others, including myself, are feeling for your loss. Cpl. Matthew T. Richard will forever be a hero to those of us who love our country and value the sacrifice he and his family made for us. My thoughts and prayers will be with your families.
Army Mom
Troops-debt
D J Sims
June 14, 2011
To the Family of Cpl. Matthew Richard
I wish I had the right words to say at this time, but I know there are none. I grieve for the loss of your beloved son and I know that I cannot fathom the pain you must be feeling. Your son will not be forgotten and what he did to help protect our homeland and our freedoms. It was his life that made him a Hero. It was his noble path that made him an American Hero. It was his ultimate sacrifice that made him a Fallen Hero. May God carry him to Heaven on His precious wings and give him a palace to live in. I pray that our Heavenly Father above will grace you with His love, His comfort and His peace. Heaven's Gates now has a new handsome Marine standing guard. Amen.
joann Reda
June 14, 2011
Maryland's Star Spangled Chapter of The American War Mothers, offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your precious hero.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
gail degrasse
June 14, 2011
PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF YOUR BELOVED MATTHEW. PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS FAMILY WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. THE DEGRASSE FAMILY USMC MAINE.
Barbara Ziemba
June 13, 2011
Family of Fellow Marine Cpl Matthew Richard,
No words can express our sorrow for the loss of your son & Marine. We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. May the Lord hold you in the comfort of his arms and give you and yours strength and solace. During this difficult time please know that we are a family, a family of proud Moms, Dads and friends. Our Marines are men and women that hold a special place in Gods grace. As you lay your son to rest know that he is a true American hero and will never be forgotten…. Today and days to follow many heartfelt prayers go out to you and your loved ones. Your son’s bravery will be etched in our hearts. Know that the memories you hold will keep him ever so near to you and your family. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets Matthew...
Our deepest sympathy’s,
USMC-Iraq Vet. Rory P. O’Brien & Ziemba Family
Gloria Foster
June 13, 2011
To the Family of Cpl. Matthew T. Richard:
I just want to let you know how saddened I am by the loss of Matthew. Although I never met him, just knowing that another one of our heroes has fallen causes me to feel the loss also. We are grateful for men like Matthew and all that he sacrificed for us in the service of his country.
This must be such a difficult time for you, and I pray you will receive the peace and Grace that you need to see you through it.
Joye Atkinson
June 11, 2011
Richard Family - My prayer is this poem I wrote will comfort you. It is: FALLEN HEROES - From the time I was conceived God had for me a plan. He wanted me to get involved to help my fellow man. I know some were against it but God knows what is best. Since the day he took me home I've had perfect rest. Heaven is so beautiful I'm walking streets of gold. Now I'm serving others including saints of old. I know some still have anger about the way I died but God and I both have seen the many tears you've cried. He is a God of comfort whose love will never cease. Give your feelings to him and he will give you peace. As difficult as it may be please don't hold a grudge. Remember this my loved ones God alone will judge. Then on that resurrection day when all the dead will rise the Lord will reunite us together in the skies. Please don't be sad and mourn for me I'm doing what I love; serving God and watching you from his throne above.
Thank you Matthew for your service.
Debbie Nagy
June 11, 2011
I wish that there was something I could say that would ease your pain. I can only let you know the pain I feel in my heart for you. I am sorry that I never got a chance to personally know Matthew but he will always be in my heart and in my prayers. I will also keep you and your family in my heart and in my prayers
June 11, 2011
The Planisek family of Cleveland Ohio is so sorry your Blue Star has turned to Gold May God be with you as you honor the memory of your loved one Cpl Matthew Richard
A True American Hero
Bea Marine Mom
Larissa sister of a Marine
Cpl Aguila U.S.M.C.
S MacDaniel
June 11, 2011
For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed
But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.
For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.
I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you .
I Salute You.
Suzanne MacDaniel (Colonie,NY)
- A Proud Aunt
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq
Don Elseroad
June 11, 2011
In recognition of Corporal Matthew T. Richard's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the members of the SSgt Walter F. 'Trae' Cohee III Detachment # 115, Salisbury, MD as well as the members of the Tri-Cities Detachment # 969, Gray, TN of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.
SEMPER FIDELIS
Don Elseroad
Staff Sergeant USMC (Ret)
MCL Detachment # 115 & # 969
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