Richard Albert Meade Sr., 88, of Great Falls, MT, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 9, 2015 at Peace Hospice. A Visitation will be held (TODAY) Sunday, July 12 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Rosary at 6:00 PM in the Rose Room Chapel at Croxford Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, July 13, at 12:00 Noon at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 715 3rd Ave. North, Great Falls, with Father Oliver Doyle officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery immediately following the service.

Richard was born on February 23, 1927 in Great Falls, MT to Albert Clarence and Blanche Elizabeth Fitzgerald Meade. He was raised in Great Falls and attended Great Falls Catholic schools. At age 17, he joined the US Navy and served in the Pacific area, including the battle of Okinawa during WWII

On January 28, 1950, he married Sally Lemmon at Holy Family Church in Great Falls, and they were blessed with seven wonderful children. He loved God, the Catholic Church, his family and the Great Falls community. He was very proud of his Irish roots and of the many houses he built as a contractor during the 1960’s. He was the manager at Mount Olivet Cemetery for 22 years. “Dad always enjoyed and got great pleasure whenever he was able to help people.” He was a bright, intelligent man with lots of ideas. Everyone enjoyed listening to his stories and he had many!

He was very proud of his Navy service. In May of 2014 he was honored to go the Washington, DC with the Big Sky Honor Flight. It was an amazing experience for him to enjoy with his son, Tom. He also had the great honor to be Grand Marshal of the 2015 4th of July parade.

Richard constructed a large model of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus of the late 1930’s. It included the Big Top canvas tent and several wooden train cars that they used at the time. He had a unique system of putting together jigsaw puzzles and always enjoyed a good challenge.

Richard was active in the American Legion Post #3 for many years. He belonged to The Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight for the 3rd degree and was a member of the 4th degree.

Survivors include his beloved wife Sally; sons, Joe (Pat Montegna) of Las Vegas, NV, Tom (Krys King) of Idaho Falls, ID, Richard Jr. of Great Falls; daughters, Ann Marie of Great Falls, Mary Elam of Great Falls, Laura of Tacoma, WA, 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Those who have preceded Richard in death include his parents; three brothers; daughter Barbara Jean; and two grandchildren.

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