Hixson Funeral Home Moss Bluff

Hixson Funeral Home Moss Bluff As Dignity Memorial® providers, we believe there is no greater responsibility than honoring and preserving the story of one’s life

08/23/2026

Well Deserved and Long Overdue Committal Honors for Gurnie “Tutie” Joseph Richard

08/21/2026

Finally home after 84 years.

Gurnie “Tutie” Joseph Richard — Sulphur, LA WWII POWGurnie “Tutie” Joseph Richard (August 27, 1920 – November 26, 1942) ...
08/20/2026

Gurnie “Tutie” Joseph Richard — Sulphur, LA WWII POW

Gurnie “Tutie” Joseph Richard (August 27, 1920 – November 26, 1942) was a Vinton, Louisiana native and U.S. Army Air Forces Technician, Fifth Grade, who died as a prisoner of war in the Philippines during World War II.

Early life and service
Born to Lester and Louise Daigle Richard in Vinton, LA, Gurnie was a standout athlete, earning a spot on the 1935–36 Vinton High School football state championship team alongside his brother Burnie. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940, serving with the 17th Bombardment Squadron, 27th Bombardment Group.

WWII captivity and death
Deployed to the Philippines in late 1941, Richard fought until the U.S. forces surrendered on April 9, 1942, after four months of resistance under harsh conditions. He endured the 65 mile Bataan Death March and was held at Cabanatuan POW Camp #1, where disease and malnutrition ravaged the camp. On November 26, 1942, he died at age 22 in the camp.

Memorial and homecoming
In 2026, after 84 years, Richard will be “brought home” for a memorial service and procession. The celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home, 2051 E. Napoleon St., Sulphur, LA, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Big Woods Cemetery in Edgerly, LA. The event will honor his sacrifice and invite veterans and community members to join in remembrance.

Family
He is survived by nieces Joy Singleton Parrott (Youngsville, LA) and Jane Ann Richard (Lake Charles, LA), along with extended family. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Virgie Richard Singleton and Burnie J. Richard.

Honors
Louisiana Governor’s Office issued Executive Order JML 26800, recognizing his service and sacrifice, and noting that his remains were exhumed in 1946 but declared unrecoverable in 1949.

For service details, condolences, and updates, visit www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com and the Hixson-Sulphur Memorial page.

Visit Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home to start planning a funeral or cremation today. Contact us to learn how to plan for yourself or someone you love.

Please join us as we bring another brave serviceman back home to Southwest Louisiana.
08/18/2026

Please join us as we bring another brave serviceman back home to Southwest Louisiana.

08/03/2026

He's finally home after 84 Years

08/03/2026

Video from the funeral of Fireman First Class Joseph Conner

Call now to connect with business.

08/03/2026

Video from the Burial Honors for Fireman First Class Joseph Conner

07/28/2026

Celebrate the life of Marvin Goos, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Hixson Moss Bluff.

Please join us as we lay this Sailor to rest in his home soil of Southwest Louisiana.
07/28/2026

Please join us as we lay this Sailor to rest in his home soil of Southwest Louisiana.

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150 Bruce Cir
Lake Charles, LA
70611

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