Richard "Dick" Ellsworth Lidgard, Sr.

Dick, a Veteran of the Vietnam War, age 87, passed through the Pearly Gates of Heaven on Sept. 20, 2022.  He was born and raised in Pike and Brown counties in Illinois.  He lived the majority of his adult life in Ocean Springs, MS.  Dick retired from the Air Force in 1976 after serving several tours of duty in Vietnam amongst other places.  He went on to finish out his career at Mississippi Power.  After retirement, he threw himself into his church (Wesley Methodist), his family, and his volunteer work. 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth and Stella Lidgard; his wife and mother of his children, Patsy (Capps) Lidgard; his brother, Paul David Lidgard; his sister, Mary Anne Knight; his sister, Virginia “Ginny” Lidgard; and his brother-in-law, Russell Clapp. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Breazeale) Lidgard; sisters, Shirley (Jerry) Daggett, Marie (Glen) Prince, and Carolyn (Bob) Kassing; brother-in-law, Clark Knight; son, David (Sherry) Andrew Lidgard of Ocean Springs; grandsons, Sergeant Matthew (Lauren) Francis, Samuel Lidgard, and Sergeant Russell (Emily) Lidgard; son, Richard (Sheryl) Ellsworth Lidgard, Jr of Naples, FL; grandsons, Brian (Mandy) Lidgard and James Lidgard; stepchildren, Ralph Hunter, Russell Hunter, and Rebecca Hunter; step grandchildren, Joshua Hunter, Nicole Hunter, and Wyatt Hunter.  He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Laina, James Jr, Tess, Brock, Dallas, Cole, and Jase.

Dick was a dedicated volunteer at Lord is my Help.  In lieu of flowers, he would appreciate donations go towards this charity – www.thelordismyhelp.org

A special thanks from the Lidgard family goes out to Sharonda Sellers for helping take care of our beloved Dick during his final days.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 2-4pm at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 911 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, September 26, 2022 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 8900 Old Spanish Trail, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 with a procession immediately after to Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS 39531 for a 12:30 pm graveside service.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the family of Mr. Richard E. Lidgard, Sr.