John Rallen Richard

John Rallen Richard, 91, was received into Heaven on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. He was born on January 28, 1935, in Kaplan Louisiana to Dewey and Emma Mouton Richard. Funeral services officiated by Deacon Bryan Istre will be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, September 03, 2026, at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan.

John graduated from Kaplan High School in 1954 where he was a wonderful athlete, lettering in multiple sports. After high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Math while playing football for Northwestern State University. He continued his studies and earned a Master's plus 30 in Education.

After graduating, John returned to South Louisiana to teach school. He spent many years in the education system including teaching, coaching and being a principal.

Once he retired, John planned to hunt and fish, which were lifelong passions. Instead, after some convincing, John started an extraordinary second career with Miami Corporation as a Consultant and Trapper. In this role he harvested alligators each fall from the swamps of South Louisiana for the next 27 years! Ultimately capturing 3,736 alligators and collecting numerous friendships and tales from frightening to hilarious!

John met the love of his life, Ruby Williams Yarbrough Richard. They were married in February 1998. They had many wonderful years together. Ruby preceded him in death in 2022.

Above all else, John loved his family. He was always interested in what everyone was doing and happy to reminisce about old times.

John is survived by his stepdaughter, Sherry Peterson and her husband, Scott; grandsons, Austin and Andrew and Andrew's wife, Bruna; great granddaughter, Olivia and many cousins and friends.

Visitation will be observed at Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, 300 N Eleazar Avenue on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM with a rosary being prayed at 11:00 AM. Following the service, John will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Kaplan, Louisiana.

Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Austin Peterson, Tommy Edwards, Doug Shivor, and Francis Vincent.

The family would like to thank Holly Hall Retirement Community for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to Holly Hall Retirement Community, 2000 Holly Hall Street, Houston, TX 77054.

All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.