News - Local

Monday, Oct. 26, 2009

Funeral planned for murder victim

BILOXI — Family and friends of Rudy Quilon said they remain in shock over his fatal shooting at the home of a fellow member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

A funeral mass is planned at the church for Friday at 1 p.m.

Quilon, 55, died of a single gunshot wound to the abdomen the night of Oct. 20. He was staying with the family of Harvill Payne Richardson Sr., who is charged with murder.

Biloxi police have said the men were drinking alcohol in Richardson’s back yard on old Mississippi 67 when some teasing got out of hand.

“None of it makes sense,” said Stephanie Lockhart, Quilon’s stepdaughter. “He was not a violent person. He was not one to get overly drunk.”

Quilon had befriended many members of Our Lady of Fatima since the summer of 2008, said publicity committee member Sandra Howat.

The last morning of Quilon’s life, he met with Howat’s husband, Wade at the Burger Burger in Biloxi, to receive his pay for work he had done around the couple’s house.

“I’m still in shock,” Sandra Howat said. “I can’t even function. Our prayers continue to go out for both families.”

Quilon was a volunteer worker for St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic charity.

Quilon had served time in prison for a felony conviction and was trying to get back on his feet as the family’s patriarch.

“He turned his life over to God,” his stepdaughter said. “He said he would never again do anything that would put him in jail or take him away from his family.”

Authorities have characterized Quilon as homeless, but his family said he wasn’t homeless. He had spent time living with his daughter Sherrell Lockhart and his ID card listed her address as his.

“He was welcome at my home, too,” said Stephanie Lockhart.

Richardson had promised to help Quilon get a van and a job, she said. The family believes it was easier for Quilon to get to odd jobs at St. Vincent de Paul and the church by staying at Richardson’s home.

Stephanie Lockhart described her stepfather as a hugger and a hard worker who loved his family, which included four grandchildren ages 3 to 6.

Quilon was proud of his Hispanic heritage and read his Bible daily.

“He was all about God and family,” Lockhart said. “He would tell us ‘this is my familia — I love y’all with all my heart,’ “ Lockhart said. “It wasn’t possible to have a bad day as long as Rudy was around. He would do everything he could to help you have a good spirit.”

His remains will be cremated.

“He’s never leaving home again,” Lockhart said.