MSgt. Stephen Edward Hric

MSgt (R) Stephen Edward Hric, age 66, of Waveland, MS, formerly of Arabi, LA and Rockaway, NJ, passed away on September 29, 2008 in Gulfport, MS. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen Hric and Dorothy Casperson Hric, and his sister Dorothy Clark of New Jersey. He is survived by his children, Kelly Couture and her husband Clifton Couture, SR of Geismar, LA, Stephen L. Hric, Michal Hric, and Sonja Hric of Portland, OR; and his grandchildren Nicholas and Alexandra Couture. Steve was born in Dover, NJ on February 21, 1942. He was a graduate of Morris Hills High School, Rockaway, NJ. He joined the US Air Force in June 1961. He married the former Kathleen Kelly of New Orleans and was father to four children. He joined the LA Air National Guard in 1972 and retired after 20 years of honorable service. He then retired from the USDA at Michoud. He was a member of LAANG Retirees Association, EANGLA, and a charter member and officer of the Jackson Barracks Enlisted Club. He was a 42 year member of the American Legion, Rock Den Post 175. Burial will be at Biloxi National Cemetery with a graveside service on Thursday, October 2nd at 12:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held Thursday evening at the American Legion Hall, 1023 Ridgewood, Metairie from 6 until 8 p.m. Family, friends and former co-workers are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Legion, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Katrina hurricane relief. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home,1726 15th St., Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.