Richard Arthur Henry Meyer, 74, of Michigan City, IN, and The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2016 surrounded by family at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages after a long illness.
Richard, born in Michigan City on January 4, 1942 was the son of the late Alfred Louis and Thelma (Neulieb) Meyer. He is survived by his wife, Marianne (Blank) Meyer, daughter, Lynn (Jordan Gerber), stepsons Gregory (Judy) Straeffer and Mitchell Straeffer, by his grandchildren Jillian and Nathan Gerber, and Gwendolyn and Zachary Straeffer, and by his brother David Alfred (Joe Ann) Meyer.
He graduated from Elston High School in 1960 and from Ball State University where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and taught in the Michigan City School system his entire career beginning at Eastport Elementary School eventually settling in as an 8th grade science teacher at Krueger Junior High. He was a member of Pottawattomie Country Club in Michigan City where he played countless rounds of golf. He earned his first hole-in-one there and went on to have 2 more. He retired after 30 years of teaching and soon began spending winters in The Villages, FL playing golf at every opportunity. He understood the game and was an excellent golf teacher. In addition to his many golfing friends, he enjoyed playing golf with his wife and daughter.
Richard was a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man but a fierce competitor no matter what activity he was enjoying. In fact, he met his wife in the teachers’ bowling league. He was a die-hard fan of the Chicago White Sox and Indiana University basketball. His competitive spirit even extended to playing games with family and friends. He passed down his love of sports and games to his children and grandchildren who loved playing with him. He hated missing any of his children’s sports matches and performances. Being with his grandchildren always put a smile on his face. Since he was the kind of guy that everyone wanted to be around, he will be missed by his family and many friends.
There will be a memorial service at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home Saturday, February 27 beginning at 3 p.m. when visitors can meet with family and friends. The funeral service will begin at approximately 3:30 p.m. with refreshments following.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Villages Hospice House–Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.
