NATCHITOCHES, LA
May 15, 1963-March 15, 2019
Richard Emile deVargas, 55, of Natchitoches passed away March 15, 2019, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Monday, March 18 at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches with the Rev. Blake Deshautelle as celebrant and the Rev. Louis Sklar as concelebrant. Interment followed at the Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home.
Richard was born May 15, 1963, in Natchitoches. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1981. Richard received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University where he played on the Demon football team as a linebacker. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he served as President of the Theta Mu chapter. Richard went on to obtain a Juris Doctorate from Southern University School of Law in Baton Rouge.
He practiced law in Natchitoches and worked most recently as Assistant District Attorney in Sabine Parish. He is a past president of the Natchitoches Parish Bar Association and was previously named Pro Bono Attorney of the Year. Richard coached youth football and was an avid sports fan all his life. He was passionate about broadcasting St. Mary’s Tigers football and Northwestern State University Demons football. His colorful and enthusiastic commentary will be well remembered by area football fans.
Richard is a past Chairman of the Natchitoches Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board. He was a member of the Rotary Club and NSU Athletic Association. Richard was a recipient of the NSU Legendary Link Award. He recently reigned as the King of the 2019 Mystic Krewe de St. Denis. Richard was a faithful husband, devoted father and loyal friend.
He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Amy Whitford deVargas; daughter, Elizabeth Kate; son, William Richard; brother, Christopher deVargas and wife Quinetta; and in-laws, Michael and Connie Whitford.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard McCliesh “Dicky” and Janell Harkins deVargas.
Pallbearers were Corwyn Aldredge, Joe Bienvenu, Russel Bienvenu, Joe Stamey, Ricky Walmsley, Mike Veach and David Wheat.
Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Brandon, Don Burkett, Chris Maggio, Pat Mondello, Gary Morgan, Craig Simmons and Billy West.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to Dr. Mariela Blum-Murphy, Dr. Ecaterina Dumbrava and the team at MD Anderson Hospital, Glenda Guillet and Hospice of Natchitoches, Dr. Stephen Wheat, Joe Stamey, Don Burkett and staff at the Sabine Parish District Attorney’s Office, Mike Whitford Jr., Jay and Jennifer Rossi and lifelong friends Corwyn Aldredge and Russel Bienvenu.
The family suggests memorial gifts to the St. Mary’s School Collection for emergency assistance and tuition aid to families in need.
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