Obituary
Guest Book
Richard "Rick" Joseph LaVergne, 77, Feb. 12, 1940 to Sept. 1st, 2017
Son Sean and Granddaughter Brooke were with Rick the last hours of his life and when he peacefully passed to go to The Light. Nancy Stokes, Soulmate of 30 years, arrived shortly after his last breath after being with him many times before when he had faced certain death from a number of health challenges.
From deep French roots, Rick was the First-Born child to Rita and Ersin Lavergne, arriving on Lincoln's Birthday in 1940. He wasn't responsive but was resuscitated 25 minutes later by the Fire Department's new "Inhalator." According to Rick: "Guess I wasn't sure I wanted to come live here on Earth." "Maybe that's why I've often been somewhat of a Rebel most of my life."
He was born in a small town of Rayne, Louisiana and grew up there through High School. He was President of his class several years and graduated as "Athlete with Highest Grades." One of those natural athletes, he was always out on the baseball diamond, tennis court, or lifting weights. He had a football scholarship to a small Mississippi College, [where, decades later, he would meet Nancy Stokes who had many ancestors from that same town!] Then Rick came to Dallas about 40 years ago.
Rick says he helped raise his three younger siblings: two sisters, Flo and Aloma, as well as Al who was 12 years younger. When he came to Dallas, he dropped the 'g' in Laverne and became "Jon Rick", his Hair Designer moniker for 35+ years. When asked about work, however, he always said he was a Multi-Media Artist. Always blended among those years was his creative side of Sculpting, Inventing, Paintings as large as 4' x 5', poems, Designing clothes, Writing songs, Singing Elvis' songs for groups, Presenting State- & Local-level talks and seminars, along with Surreal Photography using his own developed technique.
His unique photography and volumes of short writings were recently compiled in a self-published book by Nancy who edited and wrote Intro pages. But it was Kim, her Assistant for a decade, who painstakingly scoured 1000+ pieces of Rick's writings and photos, blending them colorfully in Publisher for the final book.
Rick was married two times and has one surviving son Sean. With wife Stephanie, they had Rick's 4 granddaughters and 2 great-grand children, all in Conroe or nearby. Sean and his family have treated "Elvis" with Mud Buggy rides, Seafood Boils, Cajun Fried Turkey shindigs, all filled with jokes, partying, and loud laughter that Cajuns are known for!
Ever the Athlete, he played tennis for 40+ years winning amateur Dallas titles. And when his knees said it's time to move to Golf, he promptly made a Hole-in-One his first year of golf. He made great new friends around golf about 10 years ago. And those buddies have kept up with him caringly through his decade of health challenges.
Over the years, Rick travelled to Europe and Mexico several times. He had parts in a movie, dated a movie star, was on a radio show and had his Surreal Photography shown in several Dallas art shows. After meeting Nancy Stokes, a long time Dallas Psychotherapist, dressed as Cyndi Lauper at a Punk Party, they had their first date the next day and recently reached 30 years together similar to Oprah!
With Nancy, he traveled to Alaska and the Mediterranean that became the "Trip of a Lifetime". Rick picked fabulous Table Mates who closed the Dining Room nightly after all laughing uproariously but who also had serious conversations. After this cruise while touring the miles of the Vatican art work, "There's Elvis!" rang out two times since he had won the Cruise's Talent Contest.
Rick and Nancy have been known for years as the couple who's seen &/or done more events, travels, personal growth classes, contests, movies, restaurants of any couple in Dallas! A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, Sept. 24, 4pm at Unity of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane. In his memory, he'd prefer contributions be made to Interfaith Housing Coalition on 5600 Ross Ave., Dallas 75206 where he volunteered 10+ years.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home.
September 22, 2017
Ashley Agnew
Our deepest condolences- we are incredibly grateful for his dedication to Interfaith and love of serving his community!
You and your family are in our thoughts.
Ashley Agnew, Interfaith
September 21, 2017
Isabella Iverson
Rick was a friend of mine for many years.
With a little effort got him to join the UoD choir. He will be missed by many. Did enjoy his Cajun cooking and Elvis impersonation. Light and Love to Rick on his "journey".
September 18, 2017
Jeff Dano
Rick was a loving & insightful friend who encouraged us all to seek our highest self. He shared of himself in many ways.
September 13, 2017
Carol Castelhano
Rick was a friend of mine in choir at Unity of Dallas. He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. His socks were never black on choir Sunday and that made me laugh. Rest in Peace Rick.
September 13, 2017
Rita Barnes
Nancy,
My heart cries!
September 12, 2017
Kathy Cole
Dear Nancy,
What a wonderful relationship you two had. I'm so sorry he has passed and am thinking of you.
September 11, 2017
Dearest Nancy,
How sad I am for you for losing your soul mate. Not much can be harder and even with your strengths it will take time to heal. I am keeping you in my prayers and heart and will talk to you soon. Love to you, Norma Jean Berndt
September 10, 2017
Faith Zabriskie
Peaceful thoughts my friend on your new journey!
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