Dr. Richard Dean Maca

Dr. Richard Dean Maca, 83, of Lynchburg, Virginia formerly of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away Monday, June 30, 2025. He was the husband of Phyllis Burnett Maca for over 62 years.

Richard Maca was born on October 11, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Clarence Melvin Maca and Irene Kovarik Maca. He lived on the family farm, the same property that his father and grandfather had resided on.

Richard received his early education at a small, one-room school from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school had one teacher and a limited student enrollment, typically ranging from ten to twelve students. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Nebraska in the fall of 1958, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biological Sciences. During his academic tenure, he dedicated numerous hours to tissue culture research and he completed his medical doctorate in 1967.

During his professional career, he served as a physician in Oncology at University of Iowa Medical Center and researcher at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. In 1980, the family moved to Shreveport, LA where he completed his professional career as Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the Veterans Administration medical center in Shreveport, LA retiring in 1996. During this period, he conducted fundamental cancer research studies and authored multiple articles in professional journals.

After retirement, Richard enjoyed traveling on cruises with Phyllis and often the extended family. Additionally, Richard volunteered for ten years with AARP’s Tax Aide program. He also developed a keen interest in duplicate bridge and spent considerable time reading and studying various aspects of the game and engaging in local tournaments. Richard was also a skilled woodworker primarily creating art using the scroll saw. He brought many family members and friends joy with the pieces he made for them. After moving to Lynchburg in 2015, he continued to stay active walking, spending time with family and playing Bridge on the computer. Given his education and professional career, he was keenly aware of his condition when diagnosed with cancer.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Gregory Maca and his wife Renee of Forest, Virginia. He had five grandchildren: Lydia, Matthew, Nathan, Caitlin, and Collin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Jeffrey Maca.

Richard remained an active member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana until moving to Lynchburg, Virginia.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.