Kenneth Lawrence “Ken” Lerchie, a faith-filled, gentle, and devoted Christian man, was born November 12, 1947, in Louisiana. On September 24, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi, he peacefully entered eternal rest, surrounded by the mercy, grace, and peace of God.
Ken lived a life firmly rooted in faith, family, service, and education. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, where his steadfast faith and humble spirit were evident in the way he lived and served. His Christian witness extended far beyond words; it could be seen in his kindness, patience, compassion, and sincere concern for others.
Education was one of Ken’s greatest callings. He devoted 31 years of service to Jesuit High School and Loyola College Prep, followed by another 16 years at Caddo Magnet High School. Throughout his distinguished career, Ken was much more than an educator. He was a mentor, encourager, and steady example to generations of students and colleagues. He believed deeply in discipline, learning, integrity, and the responsibility of helping young people become their very best.
Ken’s commitment to faith and service was also demonstrated through his dedicated involvement with the Knights of Columbus. He served as Chancellor and Lecturer of St. Joseph Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council #1934 and as Faithful Navigator of 4th Degree Assembly #2269. He approached these responsibilities with dignity, reverence, and a servant’s heart, understanding that true leadership is found not in recognition, but in service to God and others.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Harry August Lerchie and Virginia Kathleen Lerchie, and his brother, Paul Lerchie. He carried their memory with him throughout his life and honored the legacy of his family through the life he lived.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Jan Lerchie; his daughter, Sarah (William) Bowers; his sons, Jason Lerchie and Nathan Lerchie; his stepdaughters, Kimberly (Shane) Bates and Amy (Derek) Johnson; and his stepson, Matthew (Shelby) Frazier.
He also leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Donna (Billie) Rodgers and Kathy (David) Dollar; his beloved grandchildren, including Lila Holley-Lerchie, Evie Holley, Avery Johnson, January Claire Johnson, Audrey Bates, Cameron Frazier, and Cole Frazier; along with extended family members, former students, colleagues, fellow Knights, church family, and countless friends whose lives were made better because they knew him.
Those blessed to know Ken will remember a man whose presence brought calm, whose words carried thought and purpose, and whose faith remained steadfast. He was gentle in spirit yet passionate in conviction. He loved his family deeply and found tremendous joy in their lives, accomplishments, and time spent together. His was a life of quiet strength-a life devoted to faith, family, education, leadership, and service. The lessons he taught were not confined to a classroom, and the example he gave will continue to live in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have walked alongside him.
Though his earthly journey has ended, Ken leaves behind a legacy that will endure through the family he loved, the students he guided, the Church he faithfully served, and the countless lives he touched.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Osborn Funeral Home, 3631 Southern Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71104. The Holy Rosary will follow the visitation.
The Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 204 Patton Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71105. Following the funeral service, Ken will be laid to rest at Centuries Memorial Cemetery, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, in honor and loving memory of Kenneth Lawrence “Ken” Lerchie.
There will be a memorial service at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gluckstadt, MS at a later date.