Richard A. Bequette

On December 18, 2023, Richard A. Bequette,76, of Foristell, MO, passed away after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Helen Bequette. Rich is survived by his wife Margaret "Peg" Bequette. Rich and Peg met when their path's crossed during their service to the community in law enforcement and nursing and were married on January 28, 1972. They resided in Florissant and Foristell, Missouri during their fifty-one years of marriage. Rich loved Peg dearly.

His surviving children include Bill Bequette (Carolyn) and their two children Kayden and Jessica, residing in O'Fallon, Missouri, and Matt Bequette (Lauren) and their two children Justin and Cody, residing in Trophy Club, Texas. Beyond his children and grandkids, Rich was a beloved Uncle and Cousin.

Rich was born on March 31, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Rosary High School (1965) and then St. Benedict's College (now known as Benedictine College) in Atchison, Kansas (1969). He would later earn two Master's degrees from Webster University in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Rich attended the Police Academy in 1969, and then served for twenty-three years on the Saint Louis City Police Department as a Police Officer and Detective. Upon retirement from the Department, Rich served as Director of Security for St. Louis Union Station, and then as Chief of Police for Jonesburg, Missouri. He was retired for the past twelve years.

Rich was called early on to be a Police Officer, and he embodied the highest qualities of the best of Police Officers. He had steadfast integrity, courage, empathy, and adaptability, with a true resolve to do the right thing in every circumstance. Rich was never off duty and was willing to respond without hesitation, exhibiting true courage on many occasions. He also showed sincere empathy, embracing people from all walks of life and accepting others for who they are.

Rich had many interests, but family and friends undoubtedly took top billing. He loved spending time with family for holidays, special occasions, or really any opportunity to gather. His grandchildren brought sincere joy to his heart, whether it be just visiting or attending concerts, recitals, sporting events, and other activities the grandkids were involved in. Rich was so very proud of the men his sons became. He knew them to also have integrity, compassion, and a desire to do the right thing, as well as being involved fathers in their kids' lives.

Friends were also held in high regard, with special gatherings including The Breakfast Club and The Hall, where Rich felt at home with longtime friends and fellow First Responders. He also found joy in embarking on cruises and other travel outings with friends and family, whether exploring the destination, lounging on the beach, gathering for dinners, or just hanging out. He looked forward to outings with Peg and friends, with plenty of laughs guaranteed. His most favorite destinations were Estes Park, Colorado and the island of St. Croix.

He fought his cancer diagnosis for multiple years, and in the final battles he proved he was the toughest of the tough. He also had compassion for all living things. He would help anyone at the drop of a hat, and he intervened when anyone or anything was in trouble – in fact on so many occasions he brought home a stray or mistreated animal to adopt because he did not want to see them suffer.

Thank you, Jesse Keller, MD and the Siteman Cancer Center and to all the doctors and nurses who supported and cared for Rich over the past few years.

Rich had a profound impact on those who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the Visitation and Service at the O'Fallon Knights of Columbus Hall - 202 W. Third St., O'Fallon, MO 63366.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made in Rich's honor to The Backstoppers', Inc., an organization that provides ongoing financial assistance to the families of fallen heroes.

Donations in Richard's name may be made to: The BackStoppers Inc.

Richard's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.