Richard Mayer

Richard William Mayer passed away peacefully on Friday, June 24, 2022, surrounded by loved ones in Pocatello, Idaho. 

Richard was born on October 8, 1944, in American Falls, Idaho to Otto and Dorothy (Hoffer) Mayer. He was the oldest of 3 boys. He was raised in Aberdeen, Idaho and chose to remain there to raise his own family. He attended Idaho State University and received an Associate Degree in Drafting Design. He was in the Civil Engineering program and was unable to complete, due to being drafted. He left for basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was on a short leave and returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Donna Pratt on December 26, 1969. After a short time at home, he left for Vietnam. When he returned 15 months later, he was welcomed home by his family and his new baby boy, Russell. Upon returning home from Vietnam, he worked at the local body shop painting and repairing cars. Richard and Donna grew their family with three more children, Kenneth, Shelli, and Barbara. 

Richard served many years on the Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Fire Department, and was an EMT. He worked as the City Public Works Director for 23 years. He was a high school basketball official and coached the Indians little league baseball team. 

Richard spent many summers with family and friends camping, hiking, and fishing at Lake Cleveland. He enjoyed woodworking and repairing anything that could be taken apart and put back together. He was very detail-oriented and took pride in his work. He enjoyed taking care of his lawn and gardening. The thing he loved most of all was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. In his later years, he spent many hours in gyms, auditoriums, on fields, and driving to watch his grandkids in their various activities. He loved taking pictures and sharing their accomplishments with all those who would listen. 

Richard is survived by his wife Donna, his children Russell (Sharon) Mayer, Pocatello ID, Kenneth (Tricia) Mayer, Mesa, AZ, Shelli (Brody) Welch, Grace, ID, Barbara (Jacob) Gertsch, Pocatello, ID, and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert (Anita) Mayer, Nampa, ID and Donald “Jim” Mayer, Sandy, UT.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Dorothy Mayer.

A viewing will be held in his honor Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 9:45-10:45 AM at the Aberdeen Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints church building. The funeral will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Aberdeen Cemetery. 

The service will be available to watch live via Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81304986833