Richardson Medical Center is beginning work on a historical mural for its front lobby, a project aimed at honoring the physicians, leaders and community members who helped shape health care in Richland Parish over the past several decades.
Mallory Williams, marketing coordinator for Richardson Medical Center, said the hospital is gathering historical dates, names and milestones to ensure the mural accurately reflects the facility’s legacy. While some records are available, Williams said additional information is still needed.
“We’re working to confirm dates and details from the past,” Williams said. “We’ve reached out to former employees and are also hoping to review archived newspapers to help fill in the gaps.”
The medical center traces its origins to the opening of Rayville Hospital on Aug. 29, 1971, after local businessman Robert W. Calvert donated 10 acres for the facility. Shortly after opening, board member Lasley Richardson suffered a fatal heart attack. Later that day, the hospital’s board voted to rename the facility Richardson Medical Center in his honor.
The hospital’s first board members included Lasley Richardson, Lewis Cooksey, Ford Ward, E.L. Brown Sr. and Charles Nobles Jr.
Among the early medical staff were Dr. J.E. Ball, Dr. J.C. Ellington, Dr. G.C. Hubbard and Dr. Thomas Sayre Sr. Dr. Ball, who served for decades. Dr. Sayre was born Feb. 15, 1899, and died Nov. 5, 1972.
The hospital’s first surgeons were Dr. Lester Johnson and Dr. Kenneth Sehon.
Over the years, Richardson Medical Center has been home to numerous physicians who provided long-term care to the community, including radiologist Dr. Craig Folse, who retired in 2016, and the hospital’s first radiologist, Dr. McCormick. Other physicians associated with the facility include Dr. Robert Massingil, Dr. Gordon Massengale, Dr. Mike Weaver, Dr. J.E. Ball, Dr. Dan LaFleur, Dr. Silas, Dr. David Thompson and Dr. Ron Morgan. Dr. Silas was noted for delivering babies at the hospital, and Dr. LaFleur worked closely with Dr. Thompson.
The hospital has also seen several leadership transitions over the decades. Cage McLemore served as the facility’s first chief executive officer and later as a longtime administrator. McLemore was born June 1, 1926, and died July 1, 2020.
Other CEOs have included Gary Bickham, who served beginning around 1979, David Kervin, Mike Cooper, Bill Klamfoth, Andy Thompson, Craig Ortego through a management company, James Barrett Jr., who served from 2011 to 2025, and current CEO Karl Broussard.
Richardson Medical Center marked a milestone with its 25th anniversary celebration on Aug. 15, 1997, hosting a reception.
Expansion of services continued into the 2000s with the opening of Northeast Louisiana Health Center in October 2007. In September 2019, a building on the campus was dedicated in honor of Dr. Thompson.
Williams said the mural project remains a work in progress, and the hospital welcomes assistance from former employees, families and community members who may have records, photographs or verified dates tied to the medical center’s history.
Those with information are encouraged to contact Williams at [email protected] to help ensure the mural reflects the full story of the hospital and the people who built it.
