Chesapeake, VA  –  Richard “Checker” Mesecher” age 71, passed away on August 5, 2025, in Richmond, VA. Born on September 6, 1953, in Macomb, IL, he grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Lucas High School in Kansas.  Following graduation, Checker served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  Following his service, he returned to Kansas where he married his wife, Deborah (Tronsgard) Mesecher in Lucas, Kansas on October 4, 1975.   Together, Checker & Debbie spent 50 years in Topeka, KS creating a family along with their two children, Keturah & Jamin. During his life in Topeka, Checker pursued a career in the HVAC world, even having his own business for a number of years.  In his last years before retirement, he worked for the State of Kansas in the Engineering Department at the Kansas Neurological Institute.

Checker was known for always being active and “on the go”.  He loved sports (an avid KC Chiefs fan), hunting, fishing, & camping. It was important to him to always be there for his family & friends who knew they could count on him to lend a hand when needed.  His constant attire was a shirt with a pocket (preferably a T-Shirt), Levi’s, and a baseball cap. He loved collecting things (oh, could he collect) and he always had a flashlight, lighter, and pocketknife (along with that ubiquitous loose change).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Lee Mesecher and Ella Fay (Bassham) Klar and his brother, Monty. He also outlived his two canine best friends Dexter (also an avid KC Chiefs fan & great canoeing buddy) and Skye (not so much an admirer of those football games, but the biggest fan of Checker).  He is survived by his wife, Debbie, his son, Jamin (Kristian), his daughter, Keturah (Tom) Lewman, and granddaughter, Cordelia Mesecher. Others important to him, who remain are his sister, Cheryl, his nephew, Chris (Fatima) and great nephew, David; along with his sisters, Diane (Steve), Gayle (Dave), and brother, Greg.  Checker has a plethora of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins who he always felt were a valued part of his world.  He was also thrilled that he shared life with truly great friends who often felt like family.

A celebration of Checker’s life will be held at a later date.  Checker would want everyone to know that he was always glad that you got a chance to see him!

Cremation Society of Virginia, Chesapeake Office, is assisting the family.  Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and memories online at www.vacremationsociety.com