Richard “Rick” Anthony Esser, 65, of Austin, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026. He was born March 29, 1961, in Booneville, Missouri, to the late Ralph and Mildred Wagner Esser. Mr. Esser served his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain, and later worked as a mechanical engineer. Above all, he will be remembered as a fighter and leader. Rick battled cancer for 15 years with a positive outlook and unwavering spirit. He was described as “a fighter with a positive outlook,” “a pillar of strength,” and “a true beast,” admired for the courage with which he faced his illness. As leader of a multiple myeloma support group, Rick was known as the “fearless leader.” Rick never sought pity; he met each challenge with optimism and faith, and now rests in the presence of Jesus, free from pain and suffering. Through it all, Rick remained a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Missouri Tigers. In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Esser.

Mr. Esser is survived by his wife, Kathy Lott Esser; stepdaughter, Tiffany Fate of Athens, Georgia; brother, Nick Esser (Denise) of Joplin, Missouri; sister-in-law, Linda Esser of Chesterfield, Missouri; nieces, Hayden, Addison and Rachel Esser; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dianne and Tommy Lamb of Byron, Georgia; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Karen Lott of Geraldine, Georgia and his two dogs, Nellie and Duke. Rick is also survived by numerous extended family members and lifelong friends.

Visitation for Richard will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in the chapel of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date at Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, Georgia.