Rayford "Poppa Ray" Corkern

Rayford “Poppa Ray” Corkern, a retired fireman, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. He was 81 years old. Poppa Ray was born in Bogalusa, LA and was a resident of Gretna, LA for the past 60 years. He proudly served his country for four years in the United States Air Force. He spent a total of 45 years in fire services, helping to save lives and property. He was an Operator for the David Crockett & Gould Fire Departments in Gretna and the first “paid” Operator for the Terrytown Fire Department, where he continued until his retirement in 2005. Ray loved to fish, especially with his sons. He loved to tell stories of his life growing up, stories about his adventures in the Air Force, fire stories, stories about his family and very BIG fish stories. He never met a stranger and was always joking around with everyone. He was proud of his fire service and being a first responder. Ray was the son of the late Delma Nettles and Isadore Corkern. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Juanita Kass Corkern. Also preceded in death by his brothers Floyd Corkern, David Corkern (Cindy), James Corkern (Dot) and sisters Lois “Lynn” Troulliet and Mary Englade (Warren). He is survived by his brother Louis Glenn Corkern (Barbara), brother-in-law Floyd Troulliet, Sr. and brother-in-law Calvin Kass. He is the father of Susan “Sue” Birou (Don), Ray Corkern, Catherine Plaisance (Charlie Ward), Holly Helkenn (Richard Tomasello) and Donny Corkern (Loretta). 8 beloved Grandchildren, Jennifer Birou, Andy Merriman (Brianna), Kayla Estell, Amanda Plaisance, Samantha Plaisance, Lindsey Helkenn, Angel Gearhart, Cassie Corkern and 10 treasured Great Grandchildren. Relatives and friends of the family, as well as members of the West Bank Fire Departments are invited to attend the visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOMES, 2100 Westbank Expy., Harvey, LA on Tuesday, from 9 am to 1 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 1pm. Interment will be at McDonough Cemetery in Gretna. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com . In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in his name to The Richard Murphy Hospice House, 1109 S Chestnut St, Hammond, LA 70403.