In Loving Memory of Courtland Keith French
December 11, 1951 – July 12, 2026
Courtland Keith French went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, following a motorcycle accident in Poudre Canyon, Colorado.
Court was born on December 11, 1951, in Wheeler, Texas, to Alvie William French and Williene Evon French (Cotts). He grew up in Pampa, Texas, where he developed the adventurous spirit, curiosity, and unmistakable sense of humor that would define his life.
There was never a dull moment when Court was around. He never met a stranger, and before long, everyone he met became a friend. He had an incredible ability to get himself into trouble—and somehow always find his way back out. He was known for saying exactly the wrong thing, often at the most unexpected moments. Somehow, because it was Court, people couldn’t help but laugh. He embraced life wholeheartedly and encouraged everyone around him to do the same.
In 1972, Court moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he met the love of his life, Diane. They were married on May 5, 1973, and shared more than 53 years of unwavering love and devotion.
Court earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Technology from Texas State Technical Institute and later a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern State University. His career reflected his love of learning and helping others. He worked as a skilled dental laboratory technician before becoming a Life and Earth Science teacher in Vernon Parish, LA where he was honored as Louisiana Junior High School Teacher of the Year in 1996. Later, he founded D-C Productions, growing the company from the ground up and earning two United States patents through his innovation and determination.
In 1981, Court and Diane moved to Florien, Louisiana, where they raised their son, George. In 2006, they moved to Laramie, Wyoming, to be close to their grandson, Wyatt. One of Court’s greatest joys was watching Wyatt grow up. Wyatt was his buddy, and together they shared countless adventures—exploring in the Jeep, fishing, searching for rocks, riding bikes, and simply enjoying God’s creation.
Court was immensely proud of his son, George, and never missed an opportunity to tell others so. Watching George faithfully serve the Lord as a pastor was one of his greatest joys.
Court loved adventure. Whether riding motorcycles across the country with his friends, cycling mountain trails and roads, flying airplanes, scuba diving with George, or exploring new places, he lived life with enthusiasm. Following Diane’s cancer diagnosis, his motorcycle became a place of peace where he found quiet moments to pray, reflect, and enjoy God’s creation.
He also had a servant’s heart. Court faithfully loved his church and especially cherished the international community in Laramie. Whether finding bicycles for students, driving people to appointments or the Denver airport, or simply welcoming someone into his life, he found joy in serving others. Many of those international students and families became more than friends—they became family.
Above every accomplishment and every adventure, Court’s greatest desire was for people to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He wanted others to experience the hope, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love found only in Christ.
Court is survived by his beloved wife, Diane French; his father, Alvie William French; his brother, Craig French; his son, George William French, and daughter-in-law, Jamie (Arthur) French; his cherished grandson, Wyatt James French; and a large extended family of relatives, dear friends, and beloved members of the international community who became family through the love they shared.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Williene Evon (Cotts) French.
Though our hearts ache at his sudden passing, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Because Court placed his faith in Jesus Christ, we rejoice in the assurance that he is now home with his Savior—whole, healed, and at perfect peace.
Court’s legacy is found not only in the adventures he embraced or the accomplishments he achieved, but in the people he loved, the family he built—both by blood and by choice—the lives he quietly served, and the faith he shared. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and joyfully reunited with those who know Christ.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
I’m lieu of flowers please make donations to High Plains Christian Fellowship in Laramie, WY
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…”
— 2 Timothy 4:7–8
7 Comments To "Courtland Keith French"
#1 Comment By Kenneth and Gayle Gist Steward On July 15, 2026 @ 12:11 pm
It’s always sad to lose a friend. Court was a true friend. I knew him as a very young boy at Hobart Baptist Church in Pampa TX. He was always a caring, loving guy. Thankful for his faith in our Savior. God bless his family with love and comfort. Will miss his posts of his peaceful adventures.
#2 Comment By Pamela Polston Tedford On July 15, 2026 @ 12:47 pm
Diane and family, I pray that you receive peace. Losing Court is so hard to believe and I pray that God spreads his mercy upon you. My sincere condolences. Pam Polston Tedford ✝️
#3 Comment By Dan Carlton On July 15, 2026 @ 12:51 pm
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Court. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for his family members and friends. We were not close friends in Pampa growing up but followed each other on FB discussing bikes and the beauty of riding in the surrounding area he lived. He was doing the one thing that seemed to make him happy and that is a blessing. May he rest in peace and be remembered as a faithful servant to our Lord .
Dan Carlton
#4 Comment By Chinthaka thennakoon On July 15, 2026 @ 1:13 pm
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Court. His loss is truly heartbreaking, and it is difficult to find the right words to express how much he meant to so many of us.
Court was a kind, generous, and compassionate person who always went out of his way to help others, especially members of the international community. His support, friendship, and willingness to lend a helping hand made a lasting impact on many lives. He will be remembered not only for his kindness but also for the warmth and positivity he brought to everyone around him.
To Court’s family, please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve this tremendous loss. We hope you find comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved, respected, and appreciated by so many people.
Court’s memory will continue to live on in our hearts, and we will never forget the kindness and friendship he shared with us. May he rest in peace.
(With deepest condolences from the Sri Lankan Community)
#5 Comment By Sam On July 15, 2026 @ 4:12 pm
I didn’t know Courtland personally, but I was one of the people who stopped at the scene of his accident in Poudre Canyon. I’ve thought about him frequently since and wish there had been more any of us could have done. My heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone who knew and loved him.
#6 Comment By Chris On July 18, 2026 @ 5:14 pm
I was a part of a small group who stopped to try and help Court in the Poudre Canyon. He sounds like a wonderful man with a life full of faith, family and adventures. Looked like he was out riding on a beautiful summer day experiencing another adventure. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with all who held him dear.
#7 Comment By Cheryl Browning On July 22, 2026 @ 6:55 pm
I am so sorry to hear this. Courtland was part of our Leesville Junior High School Family. He kept us entertained with his humor and the students loved him. I am praying for peace in the days to come for his family.