Eric Carl Meacher

MEACHER - Eric “Ric” Carl Meacher, 74, of Fairview Heights, Illinois passed away Monday, January 12, 2026 at home with his daughter holding his hand and his son-in-law by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Ric was born on September 6,1951 in Monrovia, California. He was a 1969 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA. Ric began a long career in construction, taking pride in his work in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a highly skilled craftsman, respected for his attention to detail and pride in doing things the right way. Later in life, Ric hung up his professional tool belt but those skills stayed with him throughout his life, as he was always tinkering, fixing and working with his hands, even in his final days. He was self taught in computer systems and technology, turning a personal fascination into a second career. Over a span of more than 25 years, he worked as a government contractor supporting Army and Air Force logistics operations and veteran-focused organizations before retiring in 2025.

Ric was preceded in death by his infant grandson Joshua Eric Meacher-Bretz; his brother Steve Meacher; and his parents Thalia Costantino (Meacher) and Leo Meacher.

Ric is survived by his beloved daughter, Alycia, his son-in-law, Eric with whom he shared a very close bond; and his “sis”, Delaine Walker. He is also survived by his grandchildren, whom he took great pride: Kyle Rega (fiancé, Sara Honaker), Mason Rega (wife, Madison Rega), Hannah Rega, and Noah Bretz. In addition to his family, Ric is survived by a circle of close friends whose friendship brought him laughter, music, time spent fishing, boating and camping, meals shared and support over the years.

Beyond his work, Ric found enjoyment in a simple, hands-on life. He was an outdoorsman at heart. He loved fishing, gardening and camping trips. He observed and cared for birds and nature. He was a skilled craftsman who found joy in leatherwork, wood carving, maintaining an impressive knife collection, taking particular satisfaction in the art of sharpening. He was an avid firearms collector and an accomplished marksman, approaching both with care, knowledge, and respect. Ric enjoyed outdoor photography and reading. He took great pride in decades of sourdough baking, a craft he later taught his daughter, reflecting his patience and appreciation for doing things well. He was a gifted cook, and no one ever left his table hungry. Ric was also a devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 33 years, generously giving his time and supporting others with the calm demeanor and strength he was known so well for. That commitment became a defining force in Ric’s life shaping his deep relationship with his daughter and creating a legacy that will carry forward for generations.

Alongside these interests, Ric’s life was also marked by a meaningful health journey – one that began in 1996 and grew into a lifelong relationship with medicine, research and an enduring belief in science. Long before it directly benefited him, he participated in clinical trials that helped advance medical care and a breakthrough cure before it existed. He took quiet pride in contributing to scientific progress that would ultimately help many others. As a liver transplant recipient in 2015, Ric remained deeply grateful for the gift of organ donation and met the years that followed with perseverance. His transplant was a part of a long arc of endurance and contribution. That gift gave Ric time – time for quiet hobbies, sharing life with Alycia, Eric and his grandchildren and for moments that mattered most to him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USO, an organization he generously supported for years. He held a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of military families and especially valued the role of military spouses and children. This respect was shaped by generations of service in his own family, and by walking alongside his daughter and grandchildren through their military life, a role he cherished. He took great pride in his grandchildren, who were military kids from birth to adulthood and now include two serving on active duty and another serving the public as a federal employee – roles he deeply respected.

The family will gather privately at a later date to celebrate and honor his life – a life well done. You have run your race, and now you’re home, Dad. I love you more.