Dalton Trudeau Richard

Dalton Trudeau Richard, lovingly known as “Poppa,” age 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025. A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, and a longtime resident of St. Martin, Dalton lived a life marked by service, craftsmanship, and devotion to family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore “Tody” Borries Richard and Josephine Sonnier Richard; his sisters, Margaret, Annie Mae, and Cleo; his brothers, Theodore, Jerald, Charles, Leo, and Wallace; and his grandson, infant Hunter Michael Corso.

Dalton is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Shirley Jean Rogers Richard, who was his partner through thick and thin. Together, they built a family rooted in love, strength, and resilience. He leaves behind his three children: Rhonda Simone (Jimmy) Murray, Dana Maureen (Mike Sr.) Corso, and Toni Noel (Thomas A. Jr.) Monti. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Natalie Maureen (Preston) Dennis, Lacie Noel (Jon) Lambert, Michael Jr. (Jestine) Corso, and Hunter Corso. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Morgan, Mattie Jean, and Will Dennis; Olivia Maureen and Dakota Corso; and Jak, Liam, and Oliver “Ollie” Lambert. Dalton is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved and respected him deeply.

Dalton trained in the U.S. Army National Guard at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and continued in the Reserves in Gulfport, Mississippi. He went on to serve his community for 41 years as a dedicated firefighter, retiring as Captain with the City of Ocean Springs Fire Department in 2002. Throughout his career, he was honored with numerous awards, including Knight of Columbus Fireman of the Year (1995), Jaycees Outstanding Fireman of the City of Ocean Springs (1979), and Grand Marshal of the Ocean Springs Fireman’s Day Parade.

A skilled Master Carpenter, Dalton’s craftsmanship was well known across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His hands built, renovated, and restored countless homes, including historical structures. His work spanned numerous interior and exterior projects and many treasured family creations, including the Richard family home and children’s playhouse enjoyed by three generations, the Cedar Lake recreational family camp built in his younger years, and a homestead known as the “Country House,” which he and Shirley began clearing and renovating in their mid-60s. He also contributed to restoring significant structures such as the Father Ryan House and Barq’s properties. When furniture or toys for family or friends were needed, he took pride in crafting each with care and precision.

Dalton lived a full and adventurous life. In his early years, he was an avid hunter, making annual trips to Colorado, hog hunting in the Honey Island Swamp, and sharing countless adventures with “the guys from Perry County.” In later years, he enjoyed hunting at the “Country House” alongside fellow hunters and his grandchildren. He was also a skilled maker of cast nets, gifting one to his grandson. Dalton traveled throughout the United States and parts of Europe, always with Shirley by his side. He also enjoyed serving as the Assistant Weight Master for the Gulfport Annual Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo for many years.

Dalton deeply valued his relationships—especially the mentorship of his big brother Jerald, who taught him carpentry skills, and the close bond he shared with his brother-in-law, Joe Rogers. He also had a special fondness for his cat, Boots.

Dalton was a member of First Baptist Church Biloxi, a founding member of the

D’Iberville North Bay Area Mardi Gras Association, and a former member of the D’Iberville Community Club and the D’Iberville Historical Society.

In recent years, Dalton found peace in nature, often sitting on his back porch with his legs crossed and his binoculars by his side. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice, Pentecostals of the Gulf Coast for hosting his celebration of life, and to all family and friends who supported us with kind words and love during this difficult time.

In Lieu of flowers donations are preferred to either the First Baptist Church of Biloxi Kids ministry at 1560 Popps Ferry Road in Biloxi or to the children's ministry at the Pentecostal's of the Gulf Coast at 1907 Popp's Ferry Road in Biloxi .

                              Dalton

Designed by God with hands both skilled and true,

 Always building, crafting, leaving beauty in all he knew.

 Love shown in action—homes, play houses, and cast nets passed along,

 Tireless in work, steadfast, and ever strong.

 Overcoming challenges, though later years were hard, 

Never ceasing in his search, baptized and full of heart.

                              Trudeau

Taught by life, and shaping lives in return, 

Resilient in spirit, through every lesson to learn. 

Unmatched in talent, he crafted with care and pride, 

Dedicated in action, leaving his love far and wide.

 Every home, every project, bore his loving trace,

 Always our Poppa, a heart no time can erase.

 Unforgotten, his legacy shines in every place.

 Dalton Trudeau Richard 1939 – 2025 Celebrating your love, many talents, gifts, and legacy.

                                                                                       With Love and Appreciation! Toni Noel Monti