SPARTA - Richard Thomas Cavalier, 90, of Sparta passed away peacefully at his home in Sparta, IL, surrounded by his family, on January 19th, 2024.

Richard was born on September 26, 1933, in Karnak, Illinois to Secondo "Frank" and Geneva Cavalier (DeWitt). The family headquartered in Sparta but traveled with Frank in his road construction work including a seven-year sojourn in Berea, Kentucky. Richard returned to the Sparta area to finish his senior year of High School and was active on several sports teams.

Richard married his childhood friend and high school sweetheart Doris McSmith on January 26, 1952. The couple enjoyed 72 years of marriage. The Sparta Township High School newspaper, The Bulldog Barker, made the following "Senior Prophecy" about the future of the senior class in its October 29th, 1951 edition: "Dick Cavalier is the proud Papa of five kids, all of 'em look like Doris." The prophecy was off by a few. Richard and Doris proudly parented eight children who favored both parents.

Richard worked several jobs, including managing a filling station and working with a survey crew in Wyoming before being employed by Spartan Printing. Richard worked at Spartan Printing for 42 years starting as a "flyboy" and working his way up to Pressroom Manager.

Upon retiring from Spartan Printing in 1995, Richard started a printing consulting firm, Cavalier Associates. For several years he traveled internationally to troubleshoot press problems for printing organizations. He closed the firm in 1998 to enjoy time with his wife and grandchildren.

Richard remained active even in retirement. He was elected to a four-year term as a City Councilman in Sparta serving as the Finance Commissioner. As Finance Commissioner his advocacy of the project was instrumental in the construction of the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Richard also served on the boards of the Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders, Inc; the Sparta Library; the Misselhorn Museum, and The Friends of WSRC. He was also an active member of the Lions Club.

Richard enjoyed working with his hands and helping the community. As such, he was often a part of local fund drives and clean-up efforts with local organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Lion's Club. He was involved in several builds with Habitat for Humanity in Sparta.

His passion for cars led him to the hobby of working on race cars with the Baue brothers. Several times he also served as the driver in regional races. He was a member of the pit crew for the Gehlhausen Racing Team at the Indianapolis 500 for several years. He also sponsored a local midget racer.

Richard was a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, and a highly skilled competitive shooter. Attending Cowboy Action shooting competitions in full cowboy attire and appearing as "Randolph Raider" he won numerous local, state, and regional titles for his speed and accuracy with a variety of firearms.

Richard was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta. He served on the Parish Council for several years and was a Lifetime member of the Catholic men's group the Knights of Columbus. He sang with the choir and helped with maintenance of the grounds and buildings.

As with everything in his life, Richard embraced his hobbies with passion. He was an avid lifelong reader and enjoyed Westerns and Action novels, sometimes reading three or four books a week. When his health permitted, he was an ardent runner and at age 60 he often ran 8-10 miles a day.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Ronald, and sister Catherine. Also preceding him in death were his sons Frank and Gregory Cavalier, and daughter Jackie Clark. Richard is survived by his wife Doris; sons Richard (Theresa) of Swansea, Il; Thomas (Mary), of Glen Carbon, Il; Michael (Emilie) of Sparta; and Jeffrey of Sparta. He is also survived by daughter Gena Hyatt (Todd) of Spring Hill, KS. Richard and Doris have 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Richard is remembered by family and friends for his devotion to his wife and children, his down-to-earth common sense, his laughter, and his generous nature.

In keeping with his philanthropic character Richard has donated his body to the Washington University School of Medicine Medical School. Condolence Calls to the family can be made on Saturday 27 January at 10:00 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Sparta. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 in the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to IMPACK Outreach Center in Sparta.