Richard M. Mearns Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 19, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 92.
Born on June 27, 1934, in Geneva, New York, Richard lived a life marked by devotion and service to his Lord, his family, St. Columba Catholic Church, his community, and his country. He was the son of the late Arthur Guy Mearns and Pauline Agnes Mearns. Throughout his long life, he was known as a courageous, creative, and kind man whose steady presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Richard shared 67 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara Flick Mearns. Their marriage was a lasting example of commitment, partnership, and love. Together, they built a family rooted in faith, respect, and loyalty. He treasured his role as a husband and father, and those closest to him will always remember his warmth, his dependability, and the many ways he showed his love through service and action.
A proud veteran, Richard served his country in the United States Army, including time stationed in Korea. He later served in the New York Army National Guard before completing his military career in the United States Army Reserve, where he retired in 1994 after many years of honorable service. His military career was a source of great pride, reflecting the discipline, dedication, and sense of duty that remained central to his character throughout his life.
One particularly meaningful part of Richard’s military service was the opportunity to serve alongside his son, Richard “Rick” Mearns Jr., in the 98th Division of the United States Army Reserve. The two frequently served together at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, sharing an experience that brought together their family bond and their commitment to serving their country. These years were a special part of Richard’s legacy as both a father and a soldier.
Richard’s commitment to service extended beyond the military. He volunteered as a fire policeman with the Romulus, New York, Fire Department and also served as a volunteer auxiliary police officer in Geneva, New York. Through these roles, he gave his time to help protect others and serve the communities in which he lived. He also served as an aide at the VA, where he offered support and compassion to fellow veterans. Whether in uniform, at work, or among his neighbors, Richard believed in contributing wherever he could make a difference.
Richard was also a gifted, award-winning photographer whose talent allowed him to capture some of life’s most meaningful moments. Alongside his wife, Barbara, he operated a photography studio in upstate New York known as Barbrich Studio, a name that reflected their partnership in both marriage and business. Specializing in portraits, weddings, and other special occasions, Richard preserved memories for countless families and individuals. His artistic eye and professional care earned him the trust and appreciation of those he served. Photography was more than a livelihood; it was an expression of his creativity and his ability to recognize and preserve the beauty of life’s important moments.
Richard was a man who enjoyed staying busy and always seemed to have a project in mind. His daughter-in-law, Karen, would often joke that whenever he came to visit, he was never quite happy unless there was something that needed doing. That quality was especially evident when Rick was deployed to Iraq, as Richard found ways to stay involved, lend a hand, and help wherever he was needed. His willingness to work, fix, build, and serve was one of the many ways he expressed his love for his family. He did not simply visit; he found a way to make himself useful, leaving things a little better than he found them.
Throughout his life, Richard and his family lived in different places, and wherever they settled, he found ways to become part of a church family. He served his churches in many different roles, offering his time, talents, and faithful example to others. His commitment to the church was not limited to attending services; he believed in being involved, helping where needed, and living out his faith through his actions. The example he set for his children through years of Christian service, generosity, and devotion will continue to shape his family and carry his legacy forward for generations to come.
Richard was a Christian and attended St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan, Alabama. His faith was an important part of his life, offering strength, comfort, and guidance through the years. He valued the fellowship of his church community and treasured the friendships he formed with fellow believers. His faith remained a guiding influence in the way he treated others, cared for his family, and approached the responsibilities of life.
Whether behind a camera, serving his country, helping a neighbor, working on a project, or serving his church, Richard carried himself with dignity and purpose. He was a man who could be counted on, whose hands were rarely idle, and whose life reflected a balance of faith, skill, service, and character. His legacy will live on not only in the photographs he created and the work he completed, but also in the family he loved, the people he helped, and the example he set for those who follow him.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara Flick Mearns; his adored children, Richard “Rick” Mearns Jr. (Karen), Lynda Mearns Dillender, Debra Mearns, and Janet Angelovich (Jeff); his grandchildren, Ryan Mearns, Thomas Lowry, Michele Pye, Matthew Lowry, Kenneth Lowry, Heidi Mearns, Jennifer Smith, and Kelly Jackson; 15 and counting great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a loving extended family, his brothers and sisters in Christ at St. Columba, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Guy Mearns and Pauline Agnes Mearns; his siblings, Arthur John Mearns Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Porterfield; and his son-in-law, Harry Dillender.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The service will include a Liturgy of the Word, with Scripture readings led by Father Jim of St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan. Following the service, military honors will be rendered by the military honor guard and the Patriot Guard Riders. Father Jim will also offer a graveside prayer service for immediate family. Following the military honors, guests are invited to gather in the reception center for light refreshments and fellowship as they remember and celebrate Richard’s life. A memorial mass is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 9am at St Columba Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank the Lord for bringing so many extraordinarily caring and kind people into their lives, providing comfort, peace, and guidance throughout this difficult time. Special thanks are extended to Nita, Richard’s Enhabit Hospice registered nurse, who guided the family every step of the way, along with the entire Enhabit Hospice team. Their compassion and support have meant so much to Richard and his family.
The family would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to Bobbie from Cornerstone, who developed a wonderful, caring relationship with Richard and the entire family.
A special thank-you goes to his sisters and girlfriends in Christ, Melissa, Kathy, and Kristen, who were such a blessing to Dad. Their friendship, companionship, and time together brought him so much joy, including the many cups of coffee shared at Dakota after Friday morning Mass. Their kindness and faithful friendship will always be remembered with gratitude.
The family would like to recognize Sister Chris of the Trinitarian Sisters at the Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat Center for the special role she played in Dad’s life. As his spiritual advisor for many years, her faith, guidance, and compassion meant so much to him, and we are deeply grateful for the lasting impact she had on his life.
