COL (Ret.) Richard “Dick” D. Meriaux, 87, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on January 12, 2026. He was born on April 1st, 1938 in Pittsburg, Kansas to the late Eleanor Lucille Hawthorne Meriaux and Prosper Morris Meriaux.
Dick faithfully served his country in the United States Army for over 26 years. He served during the Vietnam War. Colonel Meriaux was awarded many decorations, medals, badges, and campaign ribbons during his service to include: Legion of Merit/Bronze Star Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters/ Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Medal (NUM 1)/ Army Commendation Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and “V” Device/ National Defense Service Medal/ Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star and 1 Bronze Service Star/ Army Service Ribbon/ Overseas Service Ribbon (NUM 1)/ Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal/Combat Infantryman Badge/ Expert Infantryman Badge/ Parachutist Badge/ Ranger Tab/ Vietnam Ranger Badge/ 4 Overseas Services Bars/ Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm (2nd Award)/ Humanitarian Service Medal. He retired from the Army in June of 1986.
Dick married the love of his life, Rae Allison Newell on August 20, 1960. They settled in Columbus, Georgia after his retirement from the Army. He loved playing golf, fishing, and planting his summer garden of vegetables. Dick was a faithful member of St. Mark Church where he served in the church choir and also delivered meals to people in need.
He leaves his loving memory to be cherished by his wife Rae Allison Meriaux; children: Mark N. Meriaux (Stacy) and Alison R. Heath (Renée); grandchildren: Sarah E. Meriaux, Tyler J. Meriaux, Justin “Jay” Heath, Kye Graham, Ryan Heath, and Selina Graham; sister Elaine K. Huntsinger (Arthur); brother-in-law Jerry Simone; and several other family members and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Prosper Meriaux, and his sister Carol Simone.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM with Reverend Norman Dunlap and Reverend Jeremy Alexander officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery following the service at 12:30 PM.
