Richard Wayne Stelly Sr.

Kaplan—Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Richard Wayne Stelly Sr., 65, who died Monday, March 25, 2024 at Lafayette General Medical Center. He will be laid to rest at Suire Cemetery with Father "Su" Suresh Mathangi officiating the services.

An overnight visitation will be observed at Vincent Funeral Home in Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., beginning Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM until the services begin the following day, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM Tuesday night.

Richard, known affectionately by many names in his youth including "Tplez" and "Toe Blank," was cherished as a son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He was the type of person who never met a stranger, always ready to offer the shirt off his back to aid anyone in need. Facing life's challenges head-on, he tackled tasks big and small with determination, whether it was repairing machinery or enjoying crawfishing adventures with loved ones, including his sisters, brothers, nephew, and brother-in-law. Despite grappling with muscular dystrophy, Richard refused to let it define him, embracing life's adventures with confidence.

Early morning hunting trips with Richard were always eventful, marked by mishaps like unexpected falls into the water, his gun kicking him off his bucket, or arguing with one another over who really shot that duck. He loved family gatherings, infusing every occasion with his infectious energy. Whether talking with the guys, savoring a cold beer, playing card games, honing his skeet shooting skills, or dancing to good music, Richard was the life of the party. His playful spirit extended to volleyball matches and playfully chasing after the children in his life, even if it sometimes resulted in enduring what he humorously termed "a Shelton," or cramps.

Throughout life's trials, Richard remained steadfast in his commitment to bringing joy to others, often lightening heavy hearts with his humor. Fond memories include his favorite duet with his sister, dancing and belting out Cheryl Crow and Kid Rock's "Picture" together with infectious enthusiasm. A light has gone out in our lives, but your love will shine forever. Richard will be missed dearly by all his family and friends.

He is survived by his caregiver and sister, Lorie “Pizza” Stelly; mother, Ellen Rose Marceaux; two brothers, Derrall “Noon” Stelly (Donna) and Mallan “Shawee” Stelly Jr. (Tracey) from Forked Island; five sisters, Barbara Bourque (Sonny), Christina Miller (Charlie), Eva Gaspard (Donald) from Forked Island, and Kathryn “Kathy” Gayneaux (Joe) of Henry, two daughters, Misty Touchet (Scott) and Tiffany Stelly from Forked Island; one son, Richard “Richie” Stelly of Forked Island; seven grandkids, Josie Touchet, Andrus Touchet, Lane Demette, Bryce Stelly, Ahni Stelly, Brant Stelly, and Wyatt Hargrave; and two great-grandkids, Maverick and Lux Gastal; and many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Mallan Stelly; nephew, Brock “B.J.” Stelly; and great-niece Makayla “KK” Menard.