Carl Ritchie

Emil Carl Rtichie, was born August 19, 1937, in New Ellenton, South Carolina and peacefully entered Heavens gates on May 1,2026, at the age of 88. He was a resident of LaPorte, Texas since 2023 and former resident of Baskin, Louisiana.

As a child, Carl lived in Forest Hill, Louisiana and later moved to Oakdale Louisiana, where he was a 1956 graduate of Oakdale High School. He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960. In 1962, he met Merlyn Jenkins and their love story began. They were married August 21, 1964, in Jonesville, Louisiana and moved to Texas shortly thereafter. They settled in LaPorte, Texas in 1965 where Carl worked as a millwright for Lubrizol Corporation. After retiring in 1996, they relocated to Baskin, Louisiana. Carl returned to LaPorte in 2023.

Carl’s legacy included non-stop storytelling, pranks and practical jokes on friends and family and a high level of sports acumen (baseball, basketball, and football)! Carl loved to talk about his family and sports, but he also loved to talk about his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was devoted to prayer, well-versed in Scripture, taught Sunday School for many years, and mentored countless others. Carl was honored to serve as a Deacon at both Bayshore Baptist Church, LaPorte, Texas and Baskin Baptist Church, Baskin, Louisiana, and held the position in extremely high regard. His life will forever be an inspiration and a testament to his faithful devotion and his willingness to serve through countless church and community programs and activities.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Merlyn Jenkins Ritchie in 2021. He was also preceded by his parents Edward Carl and Velva Kees Ritchie, four brothers, Billy, Jerry, James Edward,and Jack Ritchie; two sisters, Ina Lynn Ritchie and Charleen Lowery. He is survived by his sister Ginger Strother (John) of Oakdale, Louisiana.

He is survived by two sons, Ricky Ritchie and wife Belinda of LaPorte, Tx, Ron Ritchie and wife Dana of Plano Texas; five grandchildren Bodie Ritchie, Iden Ritchie, Delaney Burton Pedigo (Paul) Trenton Burton, Dallas Burton (Sydney); sister-in-law Jeannie Jenkins Carnes (Jim) nephew Justin Carnes (Kristel); six great grandchildren and 2 great nephews, and numerous extended family.

The family will receive friends at Visitation on May 16th at 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Baskin Baptist Church, Baskin, Louisiana, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life scheduled at 10:00 am under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home. The service will be officiatedby Rev. Brian Rogers and Justin Carnes. Pallbearers will be Brad Banks, Corey Carter, Charles McDonald, Patrick Fife, Brian Wilson, and Stephen Bradford.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Baskin Baptist Church, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox, P. O. Box 419, Baskin, Louisiana 71219.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Visiting Angels and the compassionate caregivers. Your presence provided comfort, dignity, and support to Carl over the last few months. We will forever be thankful for the care you gave.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy4:7-8