Ambrose was born in Nederland, December 21, 1922, to parents Joe and Eva Richard and died October 18, 2011, and had been a lifelong resident of Nederland. Ambrose attended Nederland High School, but left to work and then serve in World War II for the United States Army. He then returned to the area and later retired as maintenance supervisor from Gulf Refinery with over forty-one years of service.
One highlight of his life was that in 2001 on Veterans Day he received his Honorary Diploma. Ambrose is a Charter member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Nederland. He is a Charter Member of the Knights of Columbus #5145, where he is also a Past Grand Knight. Ambrose and his family received numerous awards from the Council over the years. He was also an original member of the Nederland Babe Ruth Association. Ambrose served as one of the first managers of the league.
He was an avid bowler and golfer. Ambrose enjoyed bowling on league teams in which he did up until just a few short years ago. Golfing was a time to relax outside and spend time with his family and friends. He spent time with his sons and grandsons on the golf course which made many memories that will be cherished. Bowling was a pass time he enjoyed with his wife, but probably the most enjoyable thing the two of them did was dance. Ambrose could shake a leg with the best of them and enjoyed every moment on the dance floor whether he was dancing or just watching his family dance, especially to Cajun music. If he would have had a GPS thirty years ago, it would have had the Rodair Club as a favorite.
One thing people will remember him for is his gumbo. Ambrose could cook up some delicious gumbo and loved to share it with lots of people. His garage has hosted many New Year’s Eve gumbo meals; of course it was before or after you were going dancing. Another thing Ambrose will be remembered by especially his family is his cap collection. Waking up at their house was like waking up in a cap store today. At one time, he had over one thousand between his bedroom and the extra rooms.
He will be truly missed by all of his family and friends. He was a dignified, caring and fun loving man. Ambrose always was clean shaven and dressed before breakfast. He loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids whether it was a sporting event or recital. His bright beautiful blue eyes could light up any room and make people smile as he did.
Ambrose is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Eva Richard; his loving wife of fifty-three years, Jane Patin Richard; four siblings, Beatrice Junot, Ivy Richard, Raymond Richard, and Reese Richard.
Ambrose is survived by his wife of a few years, Eula Richard; sons, Earl Richard and his wife, Annette of Nederland; Ronnie Richard and his wife, Zella of Fannett; and Byron Richard and his wife, Carol of Vidor; one brother, of Joe Lee Richard of Nederland; grandchildren, Mike Richard and his wife, Brenda, Mark Richard and his wife, Kim, Tina Oliver and her husband, Clint all of Nederland; Jared Richard and his wife, Samantha of Fannett; Jill Turley and her husband, Tim of Orangefield; and Joe Richard and his wife, Whitney of Vidor; twelve great- grandchildren; and three stepchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2011, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 12th Street, Nederland. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 20, 2011, at Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled Veterans Administration, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.
