Richard N. Moncur

DECLO – Richard N. Moncur, lovingly known as Richie, Mr. Moncur, Dad, Pops, and Great Guy, passed away peacefully at his home on February 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was 92 years old. Richard was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, a true friend to all, and a man whose life was defined by quiet service, kindness, and love. His legacy and memories will be cherished forever by all who knew him.

Richard was born on April 21, 1933, in Rupert, Idaho, to James and Ida Moncur. He was the fifth of six children. His family later moved to Ririe, Idaho, where his father worked for Kraft Cheese. During these formative years, Richard learned the skill of cooking from his mother. His mother suffered from undulant fever and managed her household from her bed, teaching her children faith, perseverance, and service. Richard often helped prepare meals for the family, an experience that shaped his lifelong desire to care and serve others. One lesson from his mother stayed with him throughout his life. While traveling with his family as a young boy being hot, crowded, and miserable, his mother told him that at times in life we will be uncomfortable, but instead of complaining, we should try to make others happy. Richard took this counsel to heart and lived it daily.

After graduating from Ririe High School, (“Please place your hand over your heart when you say Ririe”), Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. With his abilities, he served as a cook and eventually became the first cook to oversee the entire kitchen and staff. Upon returning home, he was called into the bishop’s office and was asked not to give his answer right then but to prayerfully consider serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While plowing a field one day, Richard left the tractor running, knelt down beside it, and prayed for guidance. He was called to serve in the Australia Melbourne Mission. His testimony and devotion remained strong throughout his life as he served faithfully in many church callings.

Following his mission, Richard enrolled at Ricks College, where he met the love of his life, Cleone Parke. Just weeks before his passing, he fondly recalled the first time he saw her, vividly describing the blue tweed outfit she wore. Richard and Cleone were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 18, 1959. Together they were blessed with four daughters. Richard often joked that he grew a beard because he could never get into the bathroom.

Richard was a teacher by profession and dedicated 34 years to educating and uplifting others. Both in and out of the classroom, he taught by example, and always showed compassion, patience, and love. He truly served those around him. Throughout his life, including his health trials, Richard did not complain. Instead, he genuinely appreciated those who helped and served him, continuing to teach simply by the way he lived. Even in his final days, he taught his family that being together mattered most. Richard also had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making people happy, often lifting others with a smile or a well-timed joke. If you know Richard, you will have your own “Richardism” (his funny sayings).

Richard and Cleone, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Max Craner, built The Little Classroom Café across from the Declo Junior High School. Richard had always dreamed of owning a café because of his love for cooking and people. Even when someone might be short on money, no one ever left hungry. In addition, Richard and Cleone, along with their partner, Basil Fairchild, started a catering company called Let’s Go Dutch. His cooking and personal recipes blessed countless family members, friends, and neighbors, and will continue to be shared for generations.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Cleone Moncur; his daughters, Louise (Dan) Mecham, Marlea Preston, Cherise (Glade) Gentry, and Monet’ (Dan) Thomander; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ida Moncur, and all of his siblings: Donna Kerr, RaDean Yates, James Moncur, Hazel Beth Moncur, and Blaine Moncur. We take comfort in the knowledge that families are eternal and rejoice in the joyful reunion that has surely taken place.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 13, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Stake Center, located at 213 W. Main St., in Declo. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

A gathering for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, February 12, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and at the church on Friday, from 1 until 1:45 p.m.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/eKXshzZDIMY.