Richard "Rick" McLeod, age 80, of North Vernon passed away Friday, December 5, 2025 surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of his home of 55 years. Rick was born on July 28, 1945 to James and Mary Jean McLeod. Rick attended St. Mary's Catholic grade school, North Vernon High School and went on to earn degrees in speech and hearing sciences as well as deaf education from Ball State University. Rick later completed his school administration license from Indiana University Southeast. He married his soul mate Ann McLeod (Ringer) in 1967. They were happily married for 54 years prior to her passing in 2021. Rick began his career as a teacher at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis. He then was employed by Jennings County high school as the first special education teacher. Rick became director of the Diagnostic and Training Center (DTC) in Madison, IN, a special education program serving students with disabilities residing in seven different school corporations in southeastern Indiana. He held this position for 20 years. Rick then returned to work as a speech and hearing therapist for the Jennings County Schools until he became the Director of Special Services for the corporation. Rick ended his career helping to run the Adolescent Classroom Education Training Center (ACEP) for the Jennings County School Corporation. Rick was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered for many years at St. Vincent De Paul. He was inducted into the Jennings County High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021, which honors inductees for their significant achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. Rick was an active supporter of the Special Olympics Indiana taking students who attended Jennings County Schools to Terre Haute each year to participate in the state games. He was also an active member of the ARC of Jennings County helping to support people with disabilities and their families.

You could often see Rick out for his daily walks. He enjoyed fishing, collecting coins, and watching his grandson (Owen Miller) play football, basketball, and baseball throughout Owen's school years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Fr. Chris Craig will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Sawyer - Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Rick is survived by his children : Erika Downs (Jeff), Andy McLeod, both of North Vernon, two brothers, Jay McLeod, Mike McLeod (Jane), and grandchildren, Owen Miller (Caitlin), Bryce Downs (Hali Johnson), of North Vernon, Kaleb Downs of Seattle, Dylan and Matt McLeod of Bloomington, IN.

The family would like to thank the nurses of Schneck Hospice services that made it possible for Rick to live out his final days in the comfort of his own home.

Memorial donations can be made to Schneck Hospice Services or to the Special Olympics of Indiana through Sawyer - Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service.