Richard Allen Lease was born in Mound City, Missouri, on October 26, 1940. Richard passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones in Hayden, Arizona, on February 8, 2023. He grew up in Coolidge, AZ, with his mother and father Charles and Dorothy. He had 6 brothers, and 3 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Dorothy, and siblings Vera, Charles, Jim, and Sharon. Richard leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Virginia, and 2 sons, Frank and Richard, and his siblings Dennis, Linda (Calvin) Beavers, Kenny (Petra), and Thomas (Donna). He also has 1 grandson Frank Jr., 2 granddaughters Lauren and Erica, and 1 great-granddaughter, Alyvia.

Richard served in the United States Army. He worked for Asarco Mining Company in his younger years as a Metallurgic Technician until his retirement. Richard served on the town council for the town of Hayden, Arizona, for 10 years as well as Mayor and Vice Mayor. He was well loved by many in the community. He loved seeing the kids on his street grow up and play together. He enjoyed playing pranks on the kids and tell jokes to them. The kids that lived close by would come by to get their bike flat tires/tubes patched when they would go flat. He would have cookies and other snacks for them while they waited. Richard was a good man and did not have a mean bone in his body. He loved animals and had several cats and dogs over the years. He enjoyed watching sports and loved the University of Arizona Wildcats. He would tease family members who are fans of Arizona State University Sun Devils.  Richard was an amazing family man and well respected. He will be greatly missed.