Richard L. "Dick" Faust

Richard L. “Dick” Faust, 86, of Lebanon, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Born on August 30, 1939, Richard was a lifelong resident of Lebanon, where he grew up on the family farm and built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family. He was an agricultural farmer, raising cattle and hogs in earlier years, and dedicating himself to the land he loved. Farming was more than an occupation for Richard—it was a way of life that shaped his values of perseverance, humility, and stewardship.

Richard found great joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing at Carlyle Lake and traveling to The Firing Line for goose hunting. In his younger years, he was an avid bowler and treasured the camaraderie it provided. At home, Richard was well known for his love of cooking and was especially famous among family and friends for his signature meatloaf—a meal that brought everyone eagerly to the table.

Family was everything to Richard. He adored his daughters and took immense pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He rarely missed a sporting event and could always be found cheering from the stands, his huge smile lighting up the crowd. Whether attending a game, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying time together, Richard cherished every moment spent with those he loved.

Richard's highlight of the year centered around Christmas. The celebration started in November 1994 with a trip to Macy's to purchase Waterford Christmas ornaments for his daughters. These trips involved meeting up with his good friend, Vinnie Rellis, Master Craftsman from Waterford. Vinnie traveled from Ireland and always made sure he connected with Richard to engrave his special signature on Richard's ornaments. This Waterford tradition continued through the years purchasing additional ornaments for every grandchild and great grandchild added to the family. Richard's enthusiasm for this Christmas tradition is deeply cherished by his daughters and grand children

He will be remembered for his kindness, consideration, and thoughtfulness. His warm smile and gentle spirit touched all who knew him. Richard was a man of quiet strength and deep love, and he will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and farming community.

Richard's legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Hettie Faust; his brother, George William “Bill” Faust; and his grandson, James Michael Koester.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Pam (Bruce) Koester of Lebanon, IL, and Karen (Scott) Christ of Lebanon, IL; his grandchildren, Kelsey (Matt) Aydt, Kendyll (Trevor) Gerstner, Kara (Lucas) Wise, Birkley (fiancé, Cameron Peterson) Christ, and Mason (significant other, Blakeley Reiff) Christ; his great-grandchildren, Westin Wise and Rowan Peterson; his siblings, Robert (Phyllis) Faust and Sharon (Don) Mueller; his sister-in-law, Mickey Faust; step grandchildren, Hayley (fiancé, Matthew Segner) Gerstner and Gage Gerstner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lebanon Fire Department.

Visitation: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL, and Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

Fr. Paul Wienhoff will be officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lebanon, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL