Richard Elliott Deer

Richard Elliott Deer

84, of Indianapolis, passed away March 1, 2017. He was born September 8, 1932 to the late Leon and Mary Jane (Ostheimer) Deer. He was a proud graduate of Warren Central High School, DePauw University, and Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Dick joined Barnes, Hickham, Pantzer & Boyd in 1957 and spent the entirety of his 40 year legal career with the firm. He had a wide ranging practice including public utility regulatory matters and general corporate advice. Dick was one of the lead negotiators of the merger which created Barnes & Thornburg in 1982 and he served as Managing Partner of the firm from 1990 to 1994.

Dick was an avid reader of history and newspapers and enjoyed listening to opera, playing tennis and bridge, and watching Butler basketball and the Colts.  He was devoted to his wife of 59 years, his 4 children and was delighted by his 6 grandchildren.

A celebration of Life gathering will be held at Marquette Manor on March 18, 2017 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Lee Todd Deer; son, William Kenneth Deer (Alisa Cohen); daughter, Laura Anne Deer (David Nelson); daughter, Susannah Deer Connor (Timothy); son, Thomas Elliott Deer (Ann); grandchildren, Elliott James Connor, Joseph Henry Deer, Margaret Mary Deer, Mary Jane Deer, Jackson Thomas Deer; Isabel Ann Deer. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Henry Deer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Marquette Manor Foundation, c/o Michael McGinley, 8140 Township Line Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260. www.shirleybrothers.com