Rev. Fr. Richard Lawrence Altenbaugh, 82, was one of nine children born on Nov. 12, 1934 in Detroit, MI, to Lawrence and Frances Altenbaugh. He passed away on May 29, 2017 after celebrating his 57 ^th anniversary, May 26, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Rodney and David, sisters Janice and Judy. Survivors include sisters, Joan Ebert (Alfred), Jane Pearson and Mary Knowles (Richard). Brother, Verne Altenbaugh (Carol) and many nieces and nephews. He was often called "Great Uncle Fr. Richard".

Immediately upon graduation from high-school, he attended St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, AL   and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He was ordained May 26, 1960 by Bishop Toolen, in Mobile, AL.

From 1960 to 1990, he served in many parishes including Birmingham, AL, Marianna, Quincy, Chipley, Bonifay and Pensacola, Florida. For seven years he served the people of the Diocese of San Angelo, TX, and returning to Pensacola in 1990.

Throughout his 50 years of service he served as the Deanery Director for Religious Education, Chairman of the Rural Life Ministry, Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, and Spiritual Moderator for the DCCW. In 2005, he retired as Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Pensacola but continued to assist and make himself available for priestly ministry throughout the Diocese.

Up until the present time, some of his activities included Prison Ministry, Spanish Masses for the Hispanic community, and participation in the local Alano Club. He was an experienced pilot and an avid golfer.

Fr. Richard was a very happy, "people priest". He shepherded the different flocks with unconditional love, bringing many relatives and friends back to the faith. He performed baptisms, weddings, funerals for both his family members and friends.

The viewing will be held Monday, June 5 ^th , from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 303 S. Navy Blvd, Pensacola. A Vigil Prayer Service will begin at 5pm Monday. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 6 ^th , at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Msgr. James Flaherty officiating with Fr. Eugene Casserly serving as homilist. Burial follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery off 12 ^th Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Diocesan Burse Club or the Altenbaugh Family Endowment at the Pastoral Center, 11 N. B St., Pensacola, FL 32502.