Dr. Richard Louis Cloutier

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the Cloutier Family lost their hero, Dr. Richard Louis Cloutier. Because of his relationship with Jesus Christ, the family knows and rests in the fact that he is with his Lord and Savior.

Richard Louis Cloutier I was born on December 3, 1934, in Jackson, Michigan to Ernest and Marjorie Cloutier. He married the love of his life, Patsy Ann New on June 28, 1957, in Graniteville, S.C. They recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children: Ricky, Jo Ann (Chris), Ernie and Gregg (Karla).  Their family grew through the years with the arrival of many grandchildren: Jason, Amanda, Samantha, Nicholas, Jacob, Jack, Cortney, Shelley, Trevor, Kaleb, Anna and Karly. Great grandchildren, Lucy, Jack, Finnegan, Allyson, Evelyn, Mason, Addy, Henrik and Navy who brought more joy to the fold. He is survived by 1 brother, Charles Cloutier (Jesse) and was preceded in death by his mother, father, three sisters and son, Richard Cloutier II. So many nieces and nephews were blessed to call Richard ‘uncle’ and to watch him live his life with humility and thankfulness.

Dr. Cloutier enlisted in the Air Force and served his country for 21 years.  He achieved the rank of MSgt and worked in the field of communications, radar, radio relay and served on many classified projects for the USAF.  He served in the Korean War, during the Viet Nam War, and in many countries throughout the world during times of peace. During his years of service, he went to school at night and earned an Associate, Bachelor, Master, Specialist and Ph.D. While he was away on duty, Patsy attended classes for him and took notes while managing four children on her own. He often commented that the key to his success and blessings were found in Patsy, his beloved wife and lifelong partner. 

Following retirement from the Air Force, Dr. Cloutier joined the Gulfport School district and served as a teacher and principal at the Continuing Learning Center alternative school, a principal at Central Junior High School, and a psychometrist for the school district. He retired in and went on to work for the 2000 Census through the Department of Commerce.

He was an active member of Handsboro United Methodist Church, enjoyed his work serving the homeless at the Seashore Mission, and was a member of the Lion’s Club and Phi Delta Kappa. He enjoyed watching sports, playing racquetball and golf, travelling around the world, visiting with others, and hearing their stories, going to Bible Study, Men’s Group, yard sales and auctions.

Richard had an infectious smile that could light up any room. He was a listener and a thinker. When he chose to speak or address a subject, it was always well thought out and wisdom filled. He lived a life of integrity and loved his family dearly.  To say he will be missed is an understatement on every level.  Toward the end of his life, he instructed and blessed his family with the knowledge that he was thankful for his life, that he had been blessed beyond measure, that he got to do everything he wanted to do and would not have changed a thing, he recognized the fact that he lived longer than he ever expected and wanted his family to always care for his beloved Patsy.

The family of Richard Cloutier would like to sincerely thank their church family, Handsboro United Methodist Church, and Pastor John McCay for their love, ministry and friendship through the years, their neighbors, and Sheila Franks who lovingly served our family and was our hands and feet. She would always bring a smile to our dad’s face, and he loved her as one of his own.

Memorials may be made to: Handsboro United Methodist Church, 2333 Demaret Drive, Gulfport, Mississippi.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Handsboro United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.   Dr. Cloutier will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. The online guestbook may be viewed at www.riemannfamily.com