Richard Howard Stallings

Richard Howard Stallings passed away peacefully in his Pocatello home on October 26, following a recent diagnosis of Aggressive Lymphoma.

Richard was born October 7, 1940, in Ogden, Utah, to Howard and Elizabeth Stallings. He graduated from Ben Lomond High School and served an LDS mission to New Zealand. Richard earned a B.S. in History & Political Science at Weber State College and an M.S. in History from Utah State University.

While studying at Weber State, he met his sweetheart, Ranae Garner, in a courtship and marriage class. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1963 and have 3 children, Rik (DeAnna), Sallianne (Clark), and Daniel; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren. After 52 years of life’s adventures, Ranae sadly passed in 2015. Richard married Rebecca Richards Stallings in 2018 in the Provo City Center Temple. He was a great example to her children, and they love and adore him as well.

Richard was a History Professor at Ricks College for 16 years, serving part of that time as Department Chair. He was known as an engaging teacher who encouraged civic awareness and public service. He was an active member of the LDS Church and served in the Bishopric of his Lyman ward and was a gospel doctrine teacher many times throughout his life.

He served in the U.S. Congress (D-ID-2) from 1985-1993, where he took an active role in the construction of agricultural, conservation, and energy policies that benefited Idaho and the country as a whole. He had a great staff, and they worked tirelessly to meet the needs of their constituency.

Richard continued to serve in various capacities, including a presidential appointment as Nuclear Waste Negotiator, Chair of the Idaho Democratic Party, and as a Pocatello City Council Member. He served as CEO of NeighborWorks Pocatello where he was pivotal in obtaining resources for affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and job creation. He was generous to many charitable organizations and enjoyed being an active member of the Rotary Club. Even after retirement, Richard remained active in civic discussion through his writings and public appearances.

“Richard reminded us that politics is about people, not power…His legacy endures in the leaders he inspired, the communities he strengthened, and the countless Idahoans who saw in him what public service should look like.” - Lauren Necochea, Idaho Democratic Chair

Richard was a committed and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a quick wit, was an engaging story teller, and lover of travel and good food. He was gentle, kind, and showed up for those who counted on him. He will be dearly missed, but the memories will keep us until we meet again.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 3, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1701 Bartz Drive West Chapel, Pocatello, ID. Viewings will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Sunday, November 2 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID and at 9:00 am on Monday at the church. Burial will take place at Ben Lomond Cemetery in Ogden, UT.

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