Michael Francis Richard

Michael “Mike” Richard, age 74, of Covington, Louisiana, took one final, glorious flight on May 4, 2025, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend, Mike lived with joy, humor and an unwavering sense of adventure.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mike’s family moved to Covington in 1955, where his lifelong love for the Northshore began. He spent his youth riding his bike around town, hunting with his dad and skiing on the river with a close-knit group of friends who became like family.

Mike attended St Peter Catholic School and, later, St Paul’s School, where he excelled in all sports, particularly track, and actually participated in a Guinness World Record breaking, 18-hour long basketball game. His talent on the track earned him a full scholarship to University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he completed a degree in Business Communication.

 In wanting to give back to his community, when he moved back home to Covington, Mike volunteered extensively with his alma mater, St Paul's. He eventually became it's Alumni Director for several years, where one of his greatest accomplishments was helping to start the Annual Crawfish Cookoff, that is still a successful event to this day!

But, Mike’s true calling was the sky!

Shortly after graduation, he followed his lifelong passion for flying and joined the United States Air Force. After completing training, he proudly became a “steely-eyed fighter pilot”, serving more than 20 years with distinction. He flew F4s across Europe, including tours in Spangdahlem and Bitburg Air Bases in Germany and stateside in Homestead, Florida. He later served in the Louisiana Air National Guard, piloting F15s and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and B Flight Commander in the “Coon Ass Militia”, alongside some of the finest comrades this world has ever known! When his military service was complete, he concentrated on his civilian job, flying the friendly skies for American Airlines until his retirement after 24 years.

Mike was married to the love of his life, Pamela Morgan Richard for 32 years. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in lots of love, laughter, kitchen dancing and caring support. He was a wonderfully devoted father to Jennifer Richard Riddle (husband Stephen Riddle) and Michael “Scott” Richard. And, Jennifer was lucky to be one of her dad’s best friends. His grandsons Jacob Riddle and Colin Riddle, truly brought him endless joy and pride.

Mike (or Uncle Booger as he was better known) is also survived by his beloved brothers and sisters in-law: Patti Richard Switter, Al and Kristin McClendon and George and Michelle Eastman. He also leaves behind adored nieces and nephews: Laura Richard White (husband Greg), Christopher Richard, Rhett Richard, Kayla Morgan (wife Jacqueline Blakeley), Connor McClendon (wife Brittany), Morgan McClendon Morris (husband Kent), Michael Eastman, Gregory Eastman and Tyler Eastman (wife Brittney).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Richard and Kathryn Marsh Richard; his brother, Don Richard; and his loving Uncles and Aunts Harold and Beverly Ballina and Francis and Ramona Schuermann.

Mike was more than his accomplishments. He was an awesome friend, the kind who showed up, stuck around and made life better just by being there. His sense of humor, fierce loyalty and deep love of life and for those around him will be missed more than words can express.

A Celebration of Life, with military honors to commemorate his service, will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington, Louisiana on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:30 am - 11:00 am with mass following.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made, in Mike’s honor, to Special Olympics specialolympicsla.orgor the Wounded Warrior Project support.woundedwarriorproject.org - two causes close to his heart.

Fly high, Mike! Mission complete! We’ll see you on the other side!