Ronald Coutee entered eternal peace in the early part of the night on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. His most recent treatment of illness started mid-July 2024 where he lived four and half years in a Coushatta Nursing Home. He was born a lifelong citizen on Dec. 1, 1948, in Natchitoches. He is the second male-child born to the late Alfred and Clara LaCour Coutee. Two of his brothers preceded him in death: his oldest brother Vincent, as well as the fourth born child, brother, Michael.
Ronald attended grade school at Saint Anthony School through the eighth grade, and graduated from Central High School in 1967. He began apprenticeship as a skilled tradesman by his father as well as car repairs. Shortly thereafter, Ronald served in the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Polk Army Base in Vernon Parish in Leesville. He traveled into two different countries which included France. The hardest part of being in the Army was serving in the Vietnam War. When he returned from the Army, he chose another career to support his daddy.
Ronald’s daughter, Donyale Calvin, was born to Mary Calvin Phillips; Ronald now has a granddaughter, Dhyana Calvin, who enjoyed talking and laughing with her grandfather. Ronald and Dorothy (Dot) Chevalier became a close Catholic friend of Ronald. They believed and followed through on beliefs taught as young children. There was lots of happiness and love, but her unexpected death caused sadness for years. Ronald and Emily Calhoun became close friends for twenty years. Ronald not only enjoyed the companionship of his friends but also enjoyed semiparenting aspects of their children.
His favorite hobbies included fishing, gardening, barbecuing, watching sports and spending time with family and friends. He was a gentle person and appreciated all people.
Ronald is survived by many relatives including his sisters: Brenda Lewis, who has three children and seven grandchildren; Linda Jones (Alex), who has one daughter and three grandchildren. Also, his brother Calvin Coutee is a survivor with one daughter, a granddaughter, and great-grandchildren. Ronald’s deceased brother Michael has family survivors: one daughter, one granddaughter and one great-grandson.
Ronald’s illness that goes back to five years, helped him better understand the Passion of Jesus Christ and better understand all Apostles taught human passions are different from Christ’s passion.
Relatives and friends were invited to attend his celebration of life services on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Viewing began at 9 a.m. followed by Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass was at 11 a.m. The burial was at Fern Park Cemetery on Texas Street. The burial concluded with Military Honor Guard Ceremony and presentation of the American flag to his daughter.