Joseph Ernest D. Richard, age 82, of Keyes, Oklahoma, died Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born August 15, 1940, in Duson, Louisiana, the son of Roy and Matilda (Hulin) Richard.

Ernest grew up in Louisiana. At an early age, he began his trucking career which lasted over 60 years. He hauled many commodities all over the United States. He married Roberta Martinez on August 17, 1993, in Lafayette, Louisiana. She became his constant companion in the truck and in life. Ernest enjoyed crabbing, fishing and cooking. He was an accomplished cook specializing in Cajun food. He also enjoyed watching western movies in his down time, and his nieces and nephews loved the time they spent with him. Ernest and Roberta moved to Keyes, Oklahoma, in 2015. He continued to drive trucks for local farmers. In January 2022, his granddaughter, Carter Grace, was born and instantly stole her Papaw’s heart. She spent many hours with him and he always had pictures and stories of her to share with others. Carter Grace was the joy in his life and held a special place in his heart. Ernest will be remembered for his love of his family and the good stories he always shared.

Survivors include his wife, Roberta of their home; sons, Kirk Richard and wife Lori of Louisiana, Robert Manriquez and partner Tom of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Tyler Richard and wife Maureen of Liberal, Kansas; daughters, Nancy Ritter of Louisiana, and Erica Averett and husband Thomas of Louisiana; sisters, Ann Roy and husband Raymond of Scott, Louisiana, and Mary Richard of Port Barre, Louisiana; ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Matilda Richard; sons, R.C. Manriquez and Carl Richard; brothers, Woodley, Patrick and Steven; and sister, Bell Richard.

Memorial service will be held at a later date. Family requests memorials be given to Frances Brown Scholarship at Seward County Community College in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.