Richard "Ricky" Couvillon, Jr., Marksville

Ricky was born in Marksville, Louisiana son of Richard A Couvillon Jr. and Vivian Theresa Chatelain. He attended Presentation Catholic School, Marksville Middle School and Leesville High School. His best friends were the graduating class of 1970 Marksville High School.

Ricky’s personality is best described by his Chatelain cousins: “He had a personality much larger than his physical size and we were blessed to have him in our lives; He could always find a humorous angle to just about any situation and lightened the mood for all; He could begin a conversation with a lamp post. He played the drums at one time and always had that infectiously famous laugh that you had to join in, no sadness or self-pity”. He was called Lulu sur l’eau (bug on the water) by his great uncle, Leo Moreau because of his jittery movement.

Ricky joined the Air Force after graduating from High School. He saw combat duty as a fireman during the Vietnam War. At NKP Thailand, he had the terrible duty to extinguish flames erupting from bombers and fighters making emergency landings. He cross-trained to flight duty, becoming a Loadmaster on C-141 cargo aircraft. He served overseas in Kuwait during Desert Storm. He logged thousands of hours flying as a crewmember and instructor. He traveled the world and claimed New Zealand was his favorite place (after USA). Master Sergeant Ricky retired from the Air Force after 21 years of active duty.

While on active duty, Ricky married Maria Higgins from Manchester, England. They have a son, Richard “Boo” Couvillon III, a special person now living at St. Mary’s Training Center in Alexandria. After a military career, Ricky worked a few years for Goodwill Corporation as a teacher.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Catherine, and his brother Robert. He is survived by his wife, Maria, and their son Ricky III, and his brother George (Nancy), sister-in-law Julie, and many nephews and nieces, and hundreds of friends.

Ricky was a devout Catholic; serving as an usher at St Joseph Church in Marksville. When he was in good health, he was active with the Knights of Columbus, being a Fourth Degree member. His Brother Knights will serve as honorary pallbearers at his funeral and burial.

Special thanks to house keepers Sharon and Rachel Carmouche, and aid Carla Bazile and support by Renee Jennings for excellent care during Ricky’s final days.

Visitation at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Marksville, Friday, March 8, 2024 from 8:30 AM. Recitation of Rosary at 10:30. Funeral Services by St. Joseph’s clergy at 11:00. Burial and internment at St. Joseph Cemetery #2.