Richard H. Lunsford

Mr. Richard H. Lunsford, born April 10, 1940, passed away Monday, March 14, 2022, at Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital at the age of 81.

Even though he spent the last seven weeks of his life hospitalized, his spirit and resolve remained. Richard was an “old school” printer.

He began his career at the Ruston Daily Leader in 1962 in their production department. He worked several years at a printing company in West Monroe, whose specialty was printing telephone books. He ended his printing career at Davis Printing in Ruston where he was employed from 1970 to 2005. He was a master pressman.

Fresh out of high school he married Shirley Davis in 1958. They had two children, Sandy and Steve.

His wife preceded him in death as well as his mother, Inez Woods and father, Elze Lunsford.

His survivors are his daughter, Sandy (Don); his son, Steve (Jane); grandchildren, David Alexander, Tyler Shambro (Peyton), Jeremy Lunsford (Lindsey), Lindsay Lunsford; great-grandchildren, Gracie Alexander, Kayden Alexander, twins Jace and BreLeigh Alexander, Teagan Shambro, Presley Shambro, Lillie Sanchez, Camellia Henry, Violet Henry, Jase Lunsford; and great-great grandchild Ridge Alexander.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, March 17, at Mineral Springs Cemetery at 11 a.m. Reverend Clayton Owen will officiate.

It seems only fitting to close this with his favorite poem. A man knocked at the heavenly gate. His face was scarred and old. He stood before the Man of Fate, For admission to the fold. “What have you done,” St. Peter asked, “To gain admission here?”

“I’ve been a printer, sir,” he said, “For many and many a year.” The pearly gates swung open wide, St. Peter clanged the bell. “Come in and choose your harp,” he said “You’ve had your share of hell.”