Richard Lamar Williamson, Sr.

Richard Lamar Williamson Sr., 76, of Natchitoches passed away on Dec. 11, 2007 at the Veteran¹s Administration Hospital in Pineville. Calling hours will be held at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5-8 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Father Ken Roy at the Immaculate Conception Church in Natchitoches at 11 a.m. on Dec. 14 with burial to follow at Fern Park Cemetery. Born in Shreveport on March 6, 1931, and raised in Red River Parish, Mr. Williamson lived the majority of his life in the Bermuda Community on the banks of the Cane River. He was a cotton planter for over 40 years, residing and operating at Atahoe Plantation. Mr. Williamson graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy. He entered the United States Army in 1952, serving two years during the Korean War, before receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception and St. Augustine Church Parishes. Mr. Williamson was an original board member for Water Works District #2. Mr. Williamson was preceded in death by his wife, Mazie Jean Dranguet Williamson; his infant daughter, Mary Williamson; his stepmother, Florence Prothro O¹Connor, and stepfather, Gilbert O¹Connor; and his father, Richard Boyd Williamson. He is survived by daughters Margaret Williamson Vienne and husband, Dr. Michael Vienne of Bermuda; Susan Williamson Burke and husband, Gregory of Natchitoches; and by sons Richard Lamar Williamson, Jr. and wife Carmen of Boyce and David Dranguet Williamson and close friend Art Karas of New Britain, Conn. Mr. Williamson leaves seven grandchildren - Elizabeth, Margaret, Michael, Jr., and Patrick Vienne; Catherine Burke; Preston Nunnally; and Maria Williamson. He also is survived by sister-in-law Judy Dranguet Risty and brother-in-law Charles Edwin Dranguet Sr., and wife, Mary. Pallbearers will be J. Corwyn Aldredge Jr., Daniel W. Collins, Benjamin N. Dranguet; Charles E. Dranguet Jr., Harvey F. Marcus Jr., Preston J. Nunnally, George F. Risty Jr.; and J. Russell Stacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions in the name of Mr. Williamson may be made to the St. Mary¹s School Grotto project, 1101 E. 5th St., Natchitoches, LA, 71457. The family extends its gratitude to the caring and dedicated doctors and staff in the Alzheimer¹s Disease unit of the Veterans Administration Hospital.