Richard A. Courtois Sr.

Richard A. Courtois, Sr., 88, of Perryville died December 7, 2016 at Independence Care Center of Perry County in Perryville, MO. He was born August 21, 1928 in Perry County, MO, son of Albert and Mary Gertrude (Elder) Courtois. He and Theresa Kirn were married on October 28, 1950. She preceded him in death on May 14, 2013. Richard played trumpet with the Harvey Mueller Band. He played saxophone with the Jack Trapp Orchestra, the Dick Courtois Orchestra, of which he was the band leader, as well as with the Jerry Ford Orchestra. A special highlight of his music career was when he played in the orchestra for Bob Hope. He has also played for the Governor Inaugural Balls for Missouri and South Carolina. He drove a cab for Bill Alkemeyer Cab Service. He had been an agent for the Railway Express Agency (REA). He was owner of radio and television sales and repair. He and his wife bought the Farm Fresh wholesale and home delivery milk route and opened the Courtois Farm Fresh Milk Store. He was a graduate of St. Vincent High School, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, American Legion Post 133, V.F.W. Post 4282, and Army Security Agency U. S. Army Veteran of Korean War. Survivors include two daughters and one son, Susan (Will) Fell of Darien, GA, Mary McIntyre of Melbourne, FL, Ronald (Connie) Courtois of Perryville; nine grandchildren, Andrea (Chad) Courtois, Alexis Courtois, Jason (Gwen) Jaycox, Amy Cornell, Sean (Maegen) McIntyre, Eric (Karly) McIntyre, Patrick (Stephanie) McIntyre, Amanda (Blake) Sauer, and Benjamin Courtois; eleven great grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Kevin and Richard “Stone” Courtois Jr.; two sons-in-law, Thomas McIntyre and Jerry Jaycox; four brothers, Albert, Charles, Aloysius “Wishie”, and Raymond Courtois; and one granddaughter, Sarah McIntyre. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 11 at Young & Sons Funeral Home from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and on Monday, December 12 from 6:30 to 9:30am with Rosary at 8:30 am. He will then be taken to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 am with Rev. Milton Ryan CM officiating. Entombment in Mary Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 133 and Delta Team. Memorials are preferred to St. Vincent High School Band or Charity of your choice. Young & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Perryville, MO provided the arrangements.

Tributes

Richard A. Courtois Sr.

August 21, 1928 - December 7, 2016