Richard Harlan Meservey

Richard Harlan Meservey, 85, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 22, 2026, at his home. He was under the care of his loving family and Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Richard was born December 11, 1940, in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, to Harlan Harvey Meservey and Verla LaFern Weese Meservey. He grew up and attended schools in Mt. Sterling and graduated from Brown County High School. He also attended Western Illinois University, Utah State University, and the University of Idaho.

On April 9, 1966, he married Gayleen Ann Clegg in Idaho Falls, ID. Richard and Gayleen made their home in New Sweden. Richard worked as a Nuclear Physicist and as a Nuclear Waste Management Program Manager at the INL.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a teacher, Elders Quorum President, Bishop's Counselor, Bishop, and Stake High Counselor. He also served as Scout Master for many years.

He enjoyed telling stories most of all, but other hobbies included woodworking, gardening, mining and polishing opals. He loved animals, especially Labrador Retrievers. He bred the 1991 National Retriever Champion, and his dogs were with people all across the U.S., and even some foreign countries. He also loved horses and kept several over the years. As the grandchildren began coming, he added ponies for them to ride. He also raised sheep, chickens, pigeons, pheasants, quail, guinea fowl, and hoards of mice. He always claimed his favorite hobby was teaching his grandchildren all his bad habits.

Richard is survived by his wife, Gayleen Meservey of New Sweden; son, Matthew (Keri Hammer) Meservey of Spanish Fork, UT; daughter, Melinda (Jack) Gerard of Idaho Falls; son, Michael (Pam Young) of Idaho Falls; sister, Mary DeMoss of Gillespie, Illinois; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and LaFern Meservey; and his in-laws, Don and Elaine Clegg.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Idaho Falls Pioneer Ward, 2020 S. Charlotte Drive, with Bishop Jared Birch officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., both times at the church. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery.