Richard A. Mayer

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Merrillville High School Indiana University

Richard Mayer Obituary

RICHARD A. MAYER Valparaiso, Indiana Richard Allen Mayer passed away on Friday, November 14, 2008, at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He was 74 years old. Richard was a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana. A 1952 graduate of Merrillville High School, he served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. He attended college and law school at Indiana University. Richard was a partner at the law firm of Spangler, Jennings & Dougherty located in Merrillville, IN, where he practiced law for 47 years, specializing in tort and commercial trial work. For ten years, he was President of the firm. He tried well over 300 jury trials in his prized career. He was a co-founder of the Calumet Inns of Court and a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers; a prestigious legal group with only 1 percent of the trial bar as members, and the Lake County Bar Association. For a period of time, Richard Mayer had the highest jury award in a personal injury case in the State of Indiana. During his career, he was retained in some of the largest cases in the history of Indiana. He was one of the lead defense attorneys in the 1982 collapse of the Cline Avenue Bridge, Indiana's deadliest construction site accident. Richard Mayer also served as legal counsel to the Hanover, Lake Central, Munster and Crown Point School Boards. In addition to his dedication to the law, he was a devoted family man and also enjoyed snow skiing, golfing and playing cards. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dixie Ann Mayer (nee Hinesley) of 48 years; his mother Hazel Mayer; his sister Judy Weinheimer; his brother Thomas Mayer (Kay); his daughter Ginger Kroll (Jeff); his son Todd Mayer (Lisa); and his grandchildren: Hannah Mayer, Haley Mayer, Jack Kroll and Lily Kroll. Friends and colleagues are invited to join the family in a celebration of Richard's life on Sunday, November 23, 2008, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker Street, 66th Floor, Chicago. Security at the Sears Tower requires guests to bring a photo ID and to enter on the Franklin Street side. A parking garage is located at the corner of Franklin and Adams Street. Information or questions may be directed to the family at 630-789-6122. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 N. Halsted Street, Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois, 60642, 312-587-9272, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

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Published by Post-Tribune on Nov. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Mayer

12 Entries

Crystal Bauer

November 16, 2009

It is a year later and I still think and miss RAM more than ever. I have gone to call him so many times about personal or legal issues and and when I go to get the phone, I realize that this wonderful man is gone. I lost my own father in July, so I feel that I lost two fathers in one year. Rest in Peace Richard. I love you.

Patt Utley

November 23, 2008

Dear Dixie A name out of Richard's family past. Was shocked and saddened to here about Richard. I think the last time I saw you both was at my Dad's funeral. You had us all at your house after. I'm Patt Heiny Utley. Richard , Tommy my sister Barbara had lots of fun together growing up. All the best to you
and your family.So very sorry. Patt Utley

Betty Jenkins Vates

November 22, 2008

Dixie,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband. The two of you were a great couple.

David and Nada Stevens

November 21, 2008

Dear Dixie,Nada and I were truly sad to hear of Dick's passing.The Florida sunshine will not shine for us while we share your grief.He was the best adversary I ever faced in court,a true friend and possibly the worst nochleplayer at Spanglers. Love you,David and Nada.

Diane Homeier

November 21, 2008

Dixie and family: Marty and I are truly sorry for your loss. I know that you and your family will deeply miss RAM. Keep in mind that God has him in his arms and that life in Heaven is far greater than on earth. He is in a better place and it is we who are suffering. Take care and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Si Ruman

November 21, 2008

I am very saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. I certainly have many fond memories of Dick over the years and the cases we litigated together. My sincere sympathy to his family and to the Spangler Firm. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Courtney Hughes

November 21, 2008

I have had the great pleasure in knowing Richard for many years now. If you ever met Richard you would know that he was the most down to earth person you would ever meet. He would give you the shirt off of his back and loved to be around his family. One fond memory I have of him is at one of his grand daughters birthday parties and he was out there in the yard playing soccer in his boxer shorts so he wouldn't get his dress pants dirty. He will be greatly missed .. Love Courtney

November 21, 2008

Life will never be same without you. You have always been our rock, mentor, and most of all, our friend. You believed in us more than we believed in ourselves. We were blessed to have been a part of your life. Words cannot express how much we are going to miss you RAM!

Love, Roxy

Crystal Bauer

November 21, 2008

I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to know and work with Richard. He became a mentor and a friend. According to my father, Judge Allen Sharp, " he was one of the truly great trial lawyers and was one of but a handful of trial attorneys that could do both civil plaintiff's and defense work equally well." He will be deeply missed by those of us who craved his knowlege and wisdom on both legal and non-legal issues. He led by example both at work and in his family life. His life was a testament that it is possible to be a great lawyer and also a great husband, parent and grandparent. The love of his life was Dixie and they shared what was obviously a deep respect and love for each other that was obvious to anyone in their presence. I will miss the comfort of knowing that he was always just a phone call away if I needed help analyzing a legal issue or needed personal guidance. My heart goes out to Richard's family with deepest sympathy.

November 21, 2008

Dick was a wonderful man who was a joy to be around. We are so sad that he is gone.
Rob, Stacy, and Jaden Johnson

Pam Hill

November 21, 2008

It was an honor and a privelege to work with Richard for the past 10 years. He was a ray of sunshine at the firm and will truly be missed. He has a zest for life like no one I have seen. My heart felt condolences go out to the family.

Chuck McNiece

November 21, 2008

If card games are allowed in Heaven, then I am certain that Dick and my late brother Jim are enjoying themselves right about now. Best wishes and sincere condolences to the family.

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