Richard Leigh Risher

Deacon Richard "Rick" Risher, a resident of Newton, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at his residence. He was 74 years old.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Saint Columba Catholic Church with Monsignor Patrick Gallagher, Father Chris Boutin, Deacon Steve Sykes, Deacon Joe Muller, and Deacon John Howell officiating. Military honors will be rendered after the Mass at the Sunset Memorial Park Helicopter Pavilion. Interment will then follow in Newton City Cemetery. A rosary service will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 7, 2022 in Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the rosary service from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Flowers are being accepted or memorial contributions may be made in Rick's honor to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 475 Camilla Ave., Ozark, AL 36360.

Rick was born into a proud military family, they traveled the world, Rick was born in Tokyo, Japan to the late Edward and Alice Risher. To follow in his families' footsteps, Rick enlisted with the United States Army to become a helicopter pilot. During his time in the military, he would receive several accommodations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart to name a few. Serving for over 20 years, Rick would do several foreign tours including to Vietnam. He retired from Ft. Rucker as a CW4 and would settle in Pinckard with his family. The next 20 years, Rick and his wife Kitty would dedicate themselves to the service of our Lord at St. Columba Catholic Church. He became a Deacon and later would serve for 2 years at St. John Catholic Church in Ozark, Alabama. Having a servant's heart, he loved serving his community and those in need.

Rick was preceded in death by his loving wife of 33 years, Catherine "Kitty" Risher, and by his brothers, David Risher and Edward Risher.


Survivors include his children, Dawn (Mark) Beckner, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Sean (Jenny) Risher, Navarre, FL and Georgia (Chris) Watson, Newton, AL; grandchildren, Lily (Logan) Jacobs, Emma Watson, Jacob Evans, Savannah Risher, Jack Risher and Jay Risher; brothers, Steve Risher, Bill (Tina) Risher and Chris (Lori) Risher; sisters, Barbara (Tim) Sprecker, Dianne (Jim) Lankford, Debbie (Chip) Peterson, Sheryl (John) Howell and Mitzi (Jeff) Roth; sister in law, Paulette Risher; and numerous nieces, nephews and Godchildren.


Serving as active pallbearers will be David Risher, Andrew Risher, Bill Risher, Steve Risher, Chris Risher, and Ted Matyjasic.