Obituary

Richard Willo "Dick" Cothern

September 16, 1943 - May 27, 2024

Richard Willo “Dick” Cothern, age 80 and of Bogalusa, passed away on May 27, 2024. Richard was born in Bogalusa, LA to Mildred and Homer Willo (H.W.) Cothern on September 16, 1943. He graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1962. After graduation, he attended and graduated with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Southeastern Louisiana University. He was the quarterback for the SLU Lions. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966-1969 where he was a First Lieutenant 1Lt. He married Sylvia Ann Martin on May 21, 1965.

Richard started his career at Varnado High School where he was a coach and a science teacher. He then returned to his alma mater where he was employed as Teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal. He finished his service to Bogalusa City Schools as the Superintendent until he retired in 2001.

Richard is survived by his son, Richard “Darin” Cothern; his daughter-in-law, Lorrie Wells Cothern; his daughter, Keri Cothern King; his son-in-law, Brian King; and his sister, Marie Cothern Wascom. He was the beloved “Poppa” of five granddaughters, Erin Leigh Cothern, Emily Noel Cothern, Ella Rose King, Ann Scott King, and Camille Celeste King. He was great-grand “Poppa” to Clara Ann Cothern.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Martin Cothern; father, H.W. Cothern; mother, Mildred Cothern; and sister Rachel Cothern Pierce.

A service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Poole Ritchie Funeral Home at 2:00 pm.  A visitation will begin that morning at 10:00 am.  Rev. Clay Norwood will officiate the service and interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery with military graveside rites performed by Magic City American Legion Post #24.