Bryon K. “Goose” Richard, 74, entered his eternal home on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Goose was born on August 5, 1952, in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Lester Joseph Richard, Sr. and Beatrice Mae “Beat” Rogers Richard. He was a proud 1970 graduate of South Cameron High School, where he wore #23 on the football field and was a member of the track team.
Goose began his working career with Cameron Construction with his uncle, Charles “Buster” Rogers as an Estimator. After this business was sold, his expertise and superior work ethics earned him the prestigious title of President at Crain Brothers, Inc. in Grand Chenier, Louisiana, the business from which he later retired. Having lost his leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 21, Goose never considered this a “handicap” nor hindrance to the full life he led. He faced his days with the faith he practiced as a parishioner, Eucharistic Minister, and proud Trustee for many years at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Cameron. Many of his days were spent devoted to the needs of his church parish until its destruction in Hurricane Laura.
Goose loved the simple things in life, enjoying a drive with his wife, Carla, to any destination the road happened to take them. He thrilled in owning older, faster cars like his purple Barracuda, motorcycles, but especially his red 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, 454 with white racing stripes he called “The Gooser” in which they could be seen “Cruisin’ the Coast” and riding in the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival Parade with his Cameron Riders. While not traveling, he relished sitting on their porch listening to the beach waves, appreciating the peaceful views of their home. Besides his heavenly home he has now entered, the home of his heart was and forever will be Beach Road, Cameron, Louisiana, where he grew up with his parents, brothers and sisters, family and friends, and later became his own family home where he raised his own family.
Goose may have been small in stature, but his presence was mighty like the Tarpons he loved so dearly. He was an avid sports fan and reveled in the South Cameron Tarpons, McNeese Cowboys, and LSU Tigers. Spending time with his family, extended family, and friends was so meaningful to him. Cooking and sharing his famous, delicious shrimp gumbo at family gatherings will be missed by so many. Goose’s love for his wife, sons and daughter, grandchildren, and in-laws was immeasurable and extended equally to his Richard and Howerton nieces and nephews.
Goose’s final days were spent being cared for with loving respect and dignity by the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Harbor Hospice of Lake Charles. A special note of thanks is offered to Dr. John Bercier for his comforting words of faith administered during his final medical decisions. These words were of solace to both Goose and his family and were of great impact to their resolution with his choices. Some of his last words to his family were “It’s okay!” with his hands raised in affirmation to fortify that he was at peace with his decision and his family should be, also.
Goose is survived by his loving, caring, devoted wife of 55 years, Carla Howerton Richard, sons, Bryon Heath Richard (Sunny); Brady Keith Richard (Allison “Ali”); daughter, Jodi Michelle Richard; brothers, Roger Allen (Molly) Richard and Lester Joseph “Ferpo” Richard, Jr.; grandchildren, Addyson Brooke, Katherine Mae, Jolie James, and Andre Thomas Richard; and Godchildren, Kelli Ella Richard, Kasie Beth Howard, and Mike Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester J. Richard, Sr. and Beatrice Rogers Richard; brother, Barry Wayne Richard; two sisters, Jacqueline “Jackie” Richard Johnson and Karen Beth “Cookie” Richard.
Honored to carry Goose to his final resting place were Bill Howerton, Michael Howerton, Kahal Howard, Darren Richard, Josh Hudson, Ryan Bourriaque, Brett Baccigalopi, Butch Willis, and Andre Richard.
Services for Bryon “Goose” Richard were held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Creole, Louisiana, including a Holy Rosary led by family and friends, a Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Reverend Jerish George, M.O.C., followed by interment at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Cemetery in Cameron, Louisiana.
In Goose’s memory, donations may be made to his grandchildren’s schools: South Cameron High School, Creole, LA (osp.osmsinc.com); St. Aloysius Catholic School, Baton Rouge, LA (https://aloysius.factsmgtadmin.com/give/); and St. Joseph’s Academy Catholic School, Baton Rouge, LA (https://www.sjabr.org/giving/give-now).
Arrangements were entrusted to Johsnon Funeral Home.
(Paid Memorial)