**Fountain Hills, Arizona – May 14, 2025** – The family of Richard “Poppy” Mayeux mourns the loss of their beloved patriarch, who passed away peacefully at his home in Fountain Hills, Arizona, on May 14, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in 1936 in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Hazel and Sydney Mayeux, Richard lived a life marked by service—to his country, his profession, and, above all, his family. His passing comes just nine months after the death of his cherished wife, Rita Mayeux, in August 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication that will be remembered by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him.

### **A Life of Service: From Louisiana to the Battlefields of Korea**
Richard Mayeux’s journey began in the heart of Cajun country, New Iberia, Louisiana, where he was raised in a close-knit family during an era defined by the Great Depression and World War II. His early years instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of duty, traits that would define his life. In 1958, he graduated from Louisiana State University at Lafayette (then known as Southwestern Louisiana Institute) with a degree in accounting, a field that would later become the foundation of his career in public service.

Shortly after graduation, Richard answered the call of duty by enlisting in the U.S. Army Infantry. His service during the Korean War placed him among the thousands of young Americans who faced the harsh realities of conflict in a foreign land. Though he rarely spoke in detail about his wartime experiences, his family recalls that he carried the lessons of discipline, camaraderie, and perseverance with him throughout his life. After his active military service, Richard continued his work with the Army as an auditor, a role that took him across the country—from Ohio to Utah and eventually Florida—ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability within military operations.

### **A Career Dedicated to Accountability and Public Trust**
Richard’s expertise in auditing led him to a distinguished career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where he worked on cancer research budgets. His role was critical in ensuring that federal funds were allocated efficiently to support groundbreaking medical research. Colleagues remember him as meticulous, principled, and deeply committed to the integrity of his work. At a time when cancer research was rapidly expanding, Richard’s contributions helped safeguard the financial mechanisms that allowed scientists to pursue life-saving discoveries.

### **A New Chapter in Arizona: Family, Faith, and Blackjack**
In 1991, Richard and Rita made the decision to leave Maryland for the sun-drenched landscapes of Arizona, settling in Fountain Hills. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by family gatherings, leisurely afternoons watching sports, and the occasional trip to the casino, where Richard enjoyed testing his luck at the blackjack tables. His grandchildren fondly recall his playful competitiveness, whether he was cheering them on at their basketball games or teaching them the finer points of card games.

Above all, Richard cherished moments spent around the dinner table with his loved ones. A connoisseur of good food—particularly the Cajun dishes of his Louisiana roots—he believed that meals were more than just sustenance; they were an opportunity for storytelling, laughter, and connection. His famous gumbo and jambalaya became staples at family gatherings, each bite a reminder of the heritage he carried with him from New Iberia to Arizona.

### **A Family Man Through and Through**
Richard’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his three children: Michele, Jeanne, and Brian, as well as his son-in-law Steve, daughter-in-law Maria, and a sprawling lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy. His grandchildren—Gemma, Heather, Ilene, Bradley, Sarah, and Casey—remember him as “Poppy,” a name that encapsulated his warmth, wisdom, and occasional mischievous streak. His great-grandchildren—Cody, Joshua, Madison, Braxton, Constantine, Emily, and Sophia—were the light of his later years, their visits a source of endless delight.

The loss of Rita in 2024 was a profound blow to Richard, as the two had shared a marriage built on mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering support. Their love story was one of quiet devotion, a partnership that weathered moves across states, the challenges of raising a family, and the joys of retirement together. Though his final months were marked by her absence, Richard took solace in the memories they had created and the family they had nurtured.

### **Reflections from Those Who Knew Him Best**
Friends and family describe Richard as a man of few words but immense depth. His dry wit, sharp mind, and steadfast reliability made him a pillar in the lives of those around him. Jeanne, his daughter, recalls, *”Dad wasn’t one for grand speeches, but when he spoke, you listened. He had a way of making you feel safe, like no matter what happened, he’d figure it out.”*

His son, Brian, adds, *”He taught us the value of hard work, but also the importance of enjoying life. Whether it was grilling in the backyard or sitting at the blackjack table, he knew how to have fun.”*

### **A Community Mourns**
As arrangements are made at Messinger Funeral Home in Fountain Hills, the family invites those who knew Richard to join them in celebrating his life. Details of the service will be shared in the coming days, offering friends and loved ones an opportunity to pay their respects and honor a man whose impact extended far beyond his immediate circle.

### **Legacy of a Quiet Hero**
Richard “Poppy” Mayeux’s life was one of quiet heroism—a testament to the power of duty, love, and resilience. From the battlefields of Korea to the audit rooms of the NIH, from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Arizona, his journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to doing what was right, for his country and his family.

In an age where grand gestures often overshadow everyday acts of kindness, Richard’s legacy serves as a reminder that a life well-lived is measured not in headlines, but in the hearts of those we leave behind. As his family gathers to mourn his passing, they do so with gratitude for the time they shared, the lessons he imparted, and the love that will endure long after his final farewell.

**Services for Richard Mayeux will be held at Messinger Funeral Home in Fountain Hills, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of his years of service supporting cancer research at the NIH.**

*For further information regarding service times or to share condolences, please contact Messinger Funeral Home at (480) 837-5580.*